








































































































































































































































































































































































































































































COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 






















///// 








/^!j!SSEsaKfa> 






THE EMBALMERS’ SUPPLY CO. 

SUCCESSORS TO 




































































C. B. DOLQE, President. 


M. O. HUNCKE, Secretary. 


VV. Q. STAPLES, Treasurer. 


LLUSTRATED CATALOGUE 


AND 


r 




cJ-i 


/) 


PRICE 


151 


July 1, 1593 



mi EMBflLMERS’ SUPPLY 60.. 




SUCCESSORS TO 


/ 

/ 

(■ 


DOLGE S HUNCKE, 


Westport, Copp. 




op roy.'v. 

'Cy\ 

'^AUG y j833l'i 
' P'^wash-"T' I 


PLEASE ORDER BY HUABER, 


N 


AND DESTROY OLD PRICE LIST. 


























































'i ^ 

. £ s'fc 



A' 

■iR 


V 


I? 








IntToddction. 


HE appearance of onr first catalogue was greeted by the Undertakers of 
America with so much genuine pleasure, and the demand for copies increased 
with a rapidity so far beyond our most sanguine expectations, that it has 
now become incumbent upon us to issue a second edition of the work. More¬ 
over, a great many new appliances, and perfected instruments, rendered necessary 
by important modifications in the process of embalming, have been introduced, 
together with more powerful fiuids, and energetic disinfectants, some of them non- 
poisonous, since the printing of our first edition; and these facts alone would 
have compelled us to present ourselves for the second time before our numerous 
patrons, as we have always, and without swerving from our aim, kept the lead 
in all practical improvements and useful discoveries. 

Our readers will be much surprised to find the list of instruments, specialties, 
fluids, and disinfectants, which we manufacture, so much enlarged; and many of 
the latest innovations must prove entirely new to some; but care has been taken 
to explain lucidly and at length, in the following pages, the specific use of each 
article, its merits, and its well authenticated claims to excellence in every con¬ 
ceivable form. 

We take laudable pride in presenting to the professionals of this hemisi)here 
an array of appliances of all sorts, far surpassing any attempt of the same kind 
heretofore made by ourselves, or any other firm in this country. 

We need not expatiate upon the intrinsic value of our products, and the 
honest quality of our goods ; our old customers have long been convinced of this 
fact ; our new patrons wfill soon be forced to admit its truth. 

The somewhat arid features of this work, like the former one, have been 
relieved by a short compendium of useful information about the process of Embalm¬ 
ing, which we sincerely hope Avill meet with the cordial endorsement of the 
American Embalmers. 



THE EMBALMERS’ SUPPLY CO. 


MAIN OFFICE and FACTOFV, 



WESTPOFT, CONN- 

BRANCH: 23 UNIVERSITY PLACE, NEW YORK, N. Y, 


ADDRESS ALL COMMUHICATIONS TO THE MAIN OFFICE. 















































































































IITIDEIX 


A 


Absorbent Cotton. 

Acid—Arsenious. 

“ Benzoic. 

“ Boric. 

“ Carbolic. 

“■ Salicylic. 

“ Sulphurous. 

Adhesive Plaster. 

Air Cut-off. 

Alum. 

Aluminium—Chloride- 

“ Sulphate ... 

Aluminum —Goose-neck.. 
“ Leecher .... 

“ Needles. 

'• Nozzles_ 

“ Pump. 

Aneurism Needle. 

Antidote. 

Antidotina,. 

Antiseptic Arm Supporter 

“ Blanket. 

“ Head Rest- 

“ Lozenges...... 

Apex Cooling Board ..... 

Arm Rest ... . 

Artery Binder.. 

“ Forceps. 

Arterial Hook. 

“ Nozzles. 

‘ ‘ Scissors. 

Artery Washer .. .. .. 

Atlas of Human Body .. 

Atmospheric Pump. 

Atomizer.. 

“ Bulbs. 


PAGE 

. 90 
31 
. 31 
. 31 
. 31 
. 31 
. 31 
. 94 
. 83 
. 31 
. 31 
. 31 
. 53 
. 53 
. 53 


53, 82, 83 

. 53 

GO, 61, 62 



74, 75 
.. 30 

.. 75 

.. 25 

.. 102 
.. 71 


. 63 

.61, 62 

.58, 82 

. 67 

. 73 

. 95 

....40, 41, 50, 51, 52 

. 76 

.. 79 


B 


Bandages. 

Bistouri. 

Bib or Dam .... 
Boards—Cooling 

Bottles. 

Bottle Holder ... 


91 


.59, 62 

. 86 

100, 101, 102, 103 


92 


73 


Bulb—Inflating for Dolge Injector, 
Bulb Syringe.. 


C 

PAGE 

Cabinets.34, 35, 37, 38, 39, 40 

Cabinet Covers .. . 89 

Cabinet—Undertakers’ Necessary. 47 

Calcium. 31 

Canopies.100, 101, 102, 103 

Cardiac Needle. 55 

Carpet Protectors ... .^ ), 9U 

Care of Instruments. 32 

Cartilage Knife. 60 

Catling Knife. 60 

Cases—Continuous Flow Syringe. 44 

“ —Hypodermic Syringe. 45 

“ —Pocket.42, 43 

“ —Instrument. 43 

“ —Post Mortem. 44 

“ —Star Razor. ... 45 

“ —Test.. 48 

Catheter—English. 82 

Cavity Embalming Fluid. 17 

Cavity Exhausting Tube. 55 

Cement—Liquid (Vitrum). 24 

Chain and Hooks. 70 

Chemicals . 31 

Chin Rests.68, 69 

Chloral Hydrate . 31 

Chlorine Water.. 31 

Cleats. 72 

Cooling Boards.100, 101, 102, 1* 3 

Comb . 89 

College, U. S. 104 

Cones—Disinfecting, . 22 

Connecting Links. 79 

Continuous Flow Syringes. 79 

Continuous Spray Bulbs. 79 

Cut-Offs .. . . .72, 83 


D 


Derma. 26 

Director. 61 

Disinfecting Cones. 22 

Disinfecting Liquid. 23 

Dolge Injector. 46 

Draining Tube. 73 

Dropsical Trocar. 65 































































































VI 


Index. 


E 

PAGE 

Embalming Fluids.16, 17, 18 

Fluid Powder. 19 

“ “ Test Case . 48 

“ Needles.53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 67, 89 

Eye Caps. 88 

Eye Forceps. 65 

Eye Trocar. 55 

Excelsior Embalming Board. 103 

F 

Face Wash. 23 

Fascia Needle. 61 

Falcony’s Desiccating Process . 25 

Faucet. 90 

Finger Cots. 86 

Flexible Tubes.80, 81 

Folding Cabinets. 39 

Foot Supporter. 75 

Forceps.63, 65 

Cr 

Gas Needle. 56 

Gleason Boards. 101 

Gloves. 86 

Glycerine. 31 

Goose-necks.52, 83 

Graduate Satchel. 40 

H 

Hair Brush. 89 

Hardening Compound. 25 

Head Rests. 74,75 

Hearse Horse Nets. 102 

Hypodermic Bulb. 78 

“ Case. 45 

“ Needle. 55 

“ Solution. 23 

Syringe . 55 

H 5 'drometer Jar. 48 

“ from 0° to 40° . 48 


I 

Infant Atmospheric Pump. 41 


Infant Trocar. 55 

Inflating Bulb. 83 

Injector (Dolge). . 46 

Instrument Case. 43 

Instrument Roll . 48 

K 

Kauterion. 04 

Knowles Cavity Fluid. 17 


L 

PAGE 

Labarraque Solution. 31 

Leeclier...65. 84 

Lintine. 89 

Lozenges —Antiseptic. . 25 

M 

McGrath’s Head, Arm and Foot Supporters. 75 


Mercury. 31 

Mouth Closers. 7ii 

N 

Nasal Tubes.71, 82 

Needles—Embalming—See Index E 

Needle Holders.63, 64 

Non-Poisonous Fluid. . 18 

Nozzles, or Arterial Tubes.58, 82 

P 

Pearce Satchel. 34, 35, 36 

Perfumery. 29 

Phorencina Embalming Fluid. IS 

Plaster —Adhesive. 94 

Pocket Cases..42, 43 

Post Mortem Case. 44 

Powder—Embalming Fluid. 19 

Professional Satchel. 37 

Pumps—Atmospheric.. .40, 41, 50, 51, 52 

Pump Holder. 72, 83 

R 

Razor—Star Safety.45, 96, 97, 98 

“ “ “ Strop. 98 

“ “ “ Stropping Machine. 98 

“ Brace. 89 

“ Strop. 89 

“ Wade & Butcher. 89 

Renouard Embalming Fluid. 17 

“ Needles.54, 55 

“ Nozzles. 58 

“ Stretcher. 70 

Reversible Trocar. 65 

Rubber Bib or Dam. 86, 87 

“ Embalming Needles.67,89 

Finger Cots. 86,87 

“ Force Pump. ... 41 

“ Gloves. 86 

“ Gauntlets. 86 - 

“ Nasal Tubes. 82 

“ Nozzles .82, 83 

“ Sheeting. 86 

“ Surgeon’s Gauntlets. 86 

“ Stoppers. 86 

Tubing. 86 




























































































Index 


Vll 


s 

PAGR 

Satchels.34, 85, 36, 37, 40 

Salve—“ Utopia”. 23 

Scalpels. 59, 60 

Shaving Brush and Cup. 89 

Sheeting—Rubber. 86 

Silk.—Surgeons’ . 88 

Silk Wrapped Flexible Tubes .80, 81 

Silver-Plating, “ Utopia ”. 27 

Sleeve-holders. 90 

Soap Sheets. 93 

Soda, Arseniate. 31 

“ Bi-Su'phite. 31 

“ Hypo Sulphite. 31 

“ Sulphite .. 31 

Sponge. 92 

Sponge Bags. . . 90 

Star Razor.45, 96, 97, 98 

Stoppers. 86 

Stropping Machine, Star. ..97, 98 

Suction Leecher. 84 

Surgeons’ Gloves. 86 

“ Needles..... 66 

“ Scissors.66, 67 

Syringes...44, 45, 78, 79 


T 

PAGE 

Test Case. 48 

'lest Solution . 48 

Text Book —National. 95 

Thimbles. 82 

Trocar—Pocket Case. 65 

“ —Reversible..65, 76 

Tube Holder. 73 

Tubing. 86 

17 

Undertakers'Necessary. 47 

Universal Extension Board .100 

Utcpine. 21 

Utopia Fluid. 16 

“ Salve. 23 

“ Silver Plating. 27 

V 

Vita Mystica. 28 

Vitrum or Liquid Cement. 24 

Z 

Zinc—Chloride.. 31 

“ Sulphate . 31 


















































i 




ras^ 




xi 


>■ 




prooESS of Egbalniiiij.. 

.' V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V ‘V V V V V V V V V V *1^ V V V V V V V V V ''^' •‘^- >'^' •'^' •^' •^* •^' ■^' '^* ‘^' V* 

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10 


The Embalmeks’ Supply Co., Westpokt, Conn. 


How TO Locate and Raise 


THE Arteries. 




TO INJECT THROUGH THE RIGHT COMMON CAROTID 

ARTERY. 

Turn the head of the subject towards the left side, aud incise the skin of the ueck 
for a length of about two inches on the inside of the wind-pipe, commencing near the 
junction of the breast-bone and collar-bone, and extending upwards in a straight line 
with the apex of the jaw-bone; then separate carefully the fat and tissues, and the artery 
will be found between the wind-pipe inside, and enclosed in the same sheath with the 
internal jugular vein and pneumogastric nerve, outside. Separate with care the artery 
from the vein ; cut longitudinally through the coats of the artery, and to its centre, for 
about one quarter of an inch, introduce the tube of the Syringe or Atmospheric Pump 
dowmvards into the artery ; tie the artery firmly around the tube, then pass the silk 
wrapped flexible tube downwards through the internal jugular vein into the right auricle 
of the heart, and pump the blood out; then inject a certain quantity of fluid into the 
arteries and afterward pump more blood out of the heart; and continue on in this 
manner, alternately injecting fluid into the artery and pumping blood out of the heart 
until the arteries have been injected with a sufficient quantity of fluid. 

After the injection is completed, tie up the artery above and below the point of injec¬ 
tion, sew up the wound neatly, and apply a piece of adhesive plaster over the scar. 



TO INJECT THROUGH THE BRACHIAL ARTERY. 


The brachial artery passes down the inner side of the arm to the bend of the elbow, 
where it divides into the radial and ulmar arteries. 

In its course downwards, it is close to the humerus (bone of the arm). To its inner 
side is the ulmar nerve; to the outer side the bicep muscles; in front it has the basilic 
vein, and is crossed by the median nerve, and in the sheath, with the artery, are found 
two veins, called the VencB Comites 

To reach the artery, extend the arm at a right angle with the body, with the palm 
of the hands upwards; cut through the skin for a length of about three inches, at equal 
distance between the arm-pit and the bend of the elbow, between the border of the inner 
and outer muscles of the arm. Separate the fat and muscles until the sheath containing 
















11 


The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 


the artery and the two veiife comites are reached; then, carefully detach the artery from the 
two veins, and bring it to the surface, cut the artery open; introduce the tube of the 
syringe into the artery towards the head of the subject, and after having raised the basilic 
vein, push the silk wrapped tube into the right auricle of the heart and proceed with the. 
rest of the operation, as explained for the Carotid Artery. 

Whenever it is impossible to use the basilic vein for removing blood from the body, 
insert the cardiac needle into the right auricle of the heart, and use it in the same manner 
as the silk wrapped tube. 


THE FEMORAL ARTERY. 

m 

It passes down about the inside middle of the thigh, from Poupard^s ligament, and 
proceeds in a spiral line to the lower third of the thigh, where it becomes the popliteal 
artery. The femoral artery and vein are enclosed in a strong sheath, in the upper part 
of the thigh; the vein lies on the inner side of the artery; but lower down gets altogether 
behind it, and inclines to its outer side. 

To reach the femoral artery, make a cut through the skin, commencing about 
three inches below Poupard^s ligament, and extending downwards for about the same 
length, between the muscles, about the middle of the inner side of the thigh. Separate 
ihe muscles with the fingers until the sheath containing both the artery and vein is 
reached. Then take hold of the sheath and detach the artery from it, and afterwards 
separate the vein from the artery, pass the flexible tube upward into the artery, and whilst 
gradually drawing out the tube pump the blood which it may contain; and make ready 
to inject the artery. 

Open the femoral vein, pump the blood out of i*i by means of a flexible tube, inject 
fluid into the artery, and proceed in the same manner as when injecting the carotid 
artery. 





12 


The Emhalmers’ Supply Oo , Westport, Conn. 


Eabalaing the Body. 


Lay the body on the cooling hoard, and, if purging, assist the flow of the substance 
by bringing together and holding the lower ribs under the left hand ; at the same time 
pressing with the right hand upon the region of the stomach and bowels. 

If the body is purging, never force cotton in the throat or in the nostrils to prevent 
the egress of matter; as in the first place, it would stop the purging for a few moments 
only, and in the second place, it might cause a swelling of the neck and face and produce 
discoloration. 

After the purging process has been completed in the above manner, raise the body 
immediately upon the cooling board from the hips upwards, in such a way that the head 
and shoulders may be elevated about 14 or 15 inches above the level of the feet. This 
will cause the blood contained in the upper part of the body to gravitate towards the 
lower extremities, and will assist in removing discoloration, should it already have taken 
place. 

This being done, and if the remains be that of a person whose death was caused by 
some disease which would leave the arteries congested with blood, and also, when the 
ears, neck and part of the face present symptoms of deep discoloration, the arteries must 
be injected as follows : 

Raise the brachial artery and basilic vein, by following the directions previously 
given, and using the director and bistouri, to cut through the fascia covering the muscles, 
in order to avoid the risk of puncturing either the artery or veins prematurely ; then pass 
the artery binders under the artery, and also under the basilic vein, and make everything 
ready to inject the arteiy. 

Raise the femoral artery and vein, introduce the draining tube upwards into the 
femoral artery; then commence to inject the brachial artery, and after all the blood 
has passed out of the femoral artery, and the fluid appears as clear as when injected in 
the brachial artery, then the draining tube is withdrawn and the femoral artery is 
tied up. 

Then introduce the draining tube into the femoral vein, connect the tube with the 
suction side of the pump, open the basilic vein, and resume the injection of the brachial 
artery, pumping the blood out of the femoral vein at the same time until the arteries 
have been thoroughly injected. When the injection is completed, withdraw the arterial 
nozzle from the brachial artery, and the draining tube from the femoral vein ; tie all the 
arteries and veins by means of the arterial binders, sew up the wounds neatly, and apply 
a strip of the adhesive plaster to conceal the scar. 

Take the Renouard needle, introduce it into the abdomen about two inches above 
the navel, and push it towards the left side of the body into the stomach, pressing upon 
that organ at the same time in order to have the needle penetrate it more easily ; connect 
the needle with the suction side of the pump, and pump out all the gases and liquids 
contained in the stomach. 

When as much as practical of the contents of the stomach have thus been removed, 
withdraw the needle partially and push it into the bowels in all directions, withdrawing 













The Embalmers’ Supply Oo., Westport, Conn. 


13 


it partially every time its direction is changed, and pressing upon every part that is being 
perforated by the needle, and also pumping out the contents, liquid oj gases, from the 
different points which are being 23enetrated by the needle. 

hen all the gases aud liquids contained in the stomach and bowels have thus been 
expelled, connect the embalming needle with the atmospheric pump, reintroduce it into 
the abdomen through the hole previously made, push it successively into the cavities of 
the pleura right and left, the stomach, and the intestines, injecting as much of the 
Utopia” into those parts as they will contain. 

Introduce the stomach-tube into the nostrils (should the mouth be closed), and inject 
the lungs and air passages with the Utopia ” embalming fluid. If the mouth be still 
open, the nasal tube can be passed through the aisophagus, and the stomach be injected 
in the same manner. 

In diphtheria, membranous croup, or where it becomes impossible to inject the fluid 
in the air passages by ordinary means, introduce the infant trocar in the throat, below 
the Adam’s apple and inject the fluid through it. 

If some slight patches of discoloration still remain in the face, they can be removed 
by injecting the bleaching fluid under the skin by means of the hypodermic needle. 
After which the face, ears and neck may be covered with a sheet of absorbent Lintine 
saturated with bleaching fluid. 

If, on the day following the embalming of a body in the above manner, gases should 
again distend the stomach and bowels, introduce the Renouard needle into the abdomen 
through the opening previously made, pump out the gases and the fluid formerly injected, 
and fill the cavities again with a quantity of new fluid. 

In cases where the body is that of a stout fleshy person, it may prove necessary to let 
the arterial tube remain in the artery, place a cap or thimble over it to prevent the escape 
of the fluid ; and several hours afterwards push into the arteries a second injection, the 
quantity of which must be regulated by the size of the body ; and the amount of fluid 
previously injected. 

This process of embalming, which is the most complete and reliable known, still lacks 
many details which the limited scope of this work prevents us from })ublishing. 
Moreover, our task would prove a thankless one, as a mere description would but feebly 
explain operations which must be practically demonstrated in order to be fully under¬ 
stood ; and a misapprehension of the work might be more detrimental than useful. 

The modus operandi usually followed in the injection of the arteries has been greatly 
abridged by the use of the atmospheric pump, which allows the operator to push the fluid 
in the arteries, alternately with the pumping of the blood out of the veins ; but great as 
this improvement must appear at first sight, it is farther surpassed by the use of the 
Dolge automatic injector and the Dolge aspirator ; two instruments entirely distinct and 
separate, which, however, are employed at the same time, and which by so doing permit 
the embalmer to proceed with all auxiliary details of the work, such as removing the blood, 
and doing the cavity work, whilst the arteries are being injected at any desired speed. 
It would be a fatal mistake to suppose that the removal of gases from the thoracic 
cavities, and the abdominal viscera, and the subsequent injection of those parts with 
fluid can be carried on successfully and without detriment to the general happy results of 
the operation by inexperienced practitioners. There is probably no part of the work which 
demands more intelligent care and knowledge of the situation of the large blood vessels 
and deep seated organs than the manipulation of the needle. For instance, should an 
arterial trunk or any of its main branches be lacerated by the sharp point of the needle. 






14 


The Embalmers’ Supply Oo., Westport, Conn. 


a great part of tlie fluid which has but just been injected into the arterial system, must 
escape at that point into the environing cavity, before it has had time to 2 )enetrate 
through the terminal branches of the arteries into the intricate network of the capillary 
circulation. If on the other hand this mutilation of the circulatory system has taken 
place before the arteries have been injected, then a result still more serious must be 
apprehended, as tlie fluid would perforce find an exit at the ruptured point, and would 
enter but imperfectly, if at all, according to the extent of the lesion, the rest of the arte¬ 
rial system. 

If the reader will examine critically the process of embalming as above given, he 
must admit that notwithstanding the paucity of details forcibly suppressed by the 
constricted s^oace at our command, it is complete ; and contains all the requirements for 
a successful issue. Again, it is impossible to depict in a graphic manner the mechanical 
portion of the work ; this must be practically illustrated, or else it conveys to the 
uninitiated but a distorted comprehension of the reality. 

And last, but not least, the necessity for a preparatory course of theoretical instruc¬ 
tions, as given in the United States College of Embalming, must impress itself firmly on 
the mind of those who have carefully perused this brief disquisition, in order to jflace the 
operator, or the student, in such a condition that the practical part of the work becomes 
on his part but a mechanical application of well understood and clearly conceived truths 
and i^rinciples, leading to certain, well defined results. 

A. RENOTJARD, 

Demonstrator of the College. 







E/ABAL/AING FLUIDS, 


DISINFECTANTS, 

CHE/AICAL COAPOUNDS, 


-sAHD3-=^ 




CHEAICALS. 







The Embalmers’ Supply Co., We'^tport, Conn. 


H) 





STANDS WITHOUT AN EQUAL AS AN EMBALMING FLUID. 

This is not an idle boast, but a well attested fact as undisputable as the laws which 
govern the universe. 

When ased according to the directions given in the process of embalming the most 
satisfactory results will be obtained. 

IT IS A POWERFUL ANTI-PUTRID, 

arresting instantly the progress of decay and completely neutralizing and destroying the 
olfensive and deleterious gases which are produced by putrifying animal substances. 
When injected into the arteries it renders the tissues firm and bleaches the parts with 
which it comes in contact. 

UTOPIA IS AN ENERGETIC AND POWERFUL 

DISINFECTANT, 

it kills instantaneously all the germs of contagion and the deadly ptomaines generated by 
the decomposition of bodies. 

Utopia, easily and quickly removes the most foul odors, and a body however often 
sive it may be soon loses its nauseous smell when properly injected with Utopia. 

It is almost useless to expatiate at greater length upon the merits of Utopia; the 
best embalmers'’in the country have learned to appreciate its unequalled properties, and 
it has found especial favor with all the undertakers whose aim is to avoid the risks of 
failure. In a word 

UTOPIA HAS BECOME THE FAVORITE EMBALMING PREP¬ 
ARATION OF ALL LEADING PROFESSIONALS, 

as can be easily proven by the perusal of the trade papers in which can be seen unsolicited 
testimonials every month, given to us by our appreciative jiatrons. 


PRICES OF UTOPIA. 

Per Gallon. 


47, 25, 15 or 10 Gallon Kegs. qq 

5 Gallon Keg or 1, 2 or 3 Gallon Buckets. 1 25 


TERMS ON ALL GOODS, 5 PER CENT. DISCOUNT IF PAID FOR WITHIN 30 DAYS, OR GO DAYS NET. 


























The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Cony. 


17 


Renonard Embalmins Fluid 


is beyond any doubt the best embalming fluid on the market, and recommends 
itself by its preserving qualities, and the valuable property of keeping the natural 
color of the complexion, when injected arterially and applied externally at the 
same time, without producing the ghastly whiteness and the lividity of the lips 
so often met with, and is now used exclusively by the leading undertakers. 

5 gallons or less.12.50 per gallon. 

10 or more..2.00 ‘‘ 


Knowles' Cavity Fluid 


is destined to fill the place where other fluids do not prove efficient in strength 
to overcome bad cases, such as dysentery, childbirth, typhus, etc., etc. It can be 
used in connection with our other fluids and most of the fluids on the market. 
It is the fluid to use for those who wish to inject the Cavities only, also for 
those who wish a stronger fluid for the Cavities than they are able to find in a 
good arterial fluid. We compounded the Cavity fluid for Mr. Horace B. Knowles, 
one of the oldest and best embalmers known. A happy combination of the Renouard 
fluid for the arteries and the Knowles fluid for the cavities, has in every instance 
given the greatest satisfaction. 

This Cavity Fluid has been on the market now for about two years and has proven 
to be all that we claimed for it. . . 

It is used by those who do cavity work only, in preference to all other 
fluids, as they found it safer and quicker in its action, than any other com¬ 
pound used for that purpose. 

It cannot be used in the arteries or as a face wash, as it is too strong. 


5 gallons or more 


$1.00 per gallon. 












18 


The Embalmers’ Supply Go., Westport, Conn. 


Phorencina. 


The Most Powerful Known Preservative for Animal Substances; the Acme 
of Success in the Field of Scientific Investigation for the 

Perfect Embalmment of Bodies. 


STRICTLY NCN-PCISDNDUS, 

Totally Harmless ; No ajiprehension from Carelessness in its Handling, or Employ, 

need be entertained by the Embalmer, to his health. 

As a Disinfectant it is A MOST ENERGETIC DESTROYER of Contagious 
Germs, Noxious Gases, and a Safe Cauterizer of Septic Wounds, and should therefore 
be used exclusively on contagious and infectious cases in preference to other fluids. 
It should not be brought in contact with any colored fabrics, as it will bleach the same. 

Phorencina 

Will Instantly Arrest Decomposition where all other known Fluids are Powerless, 
and in a short time Removes the Green Color of Putrefaction. 

It also removes all ohjections to the embalming of a body, even before the Physician^s 
certificate can be obtained; in cases ivhere the condition of the body is such as to 
demand immediate care; as the use of Phorencina does not alter the color of the 
organs, conceal ante-mortem lesions of the viscera, or obliterate traces of toxicants. 
Thereby affording all facilities for medico-legal investigations that may result in 
crimincd conviction. As a Cavity Fluid it is ivithout a rival. It works instan¬ 
taneous, killing gases and all bad odors the instant it is brought in contact with them. 


DIRECTIONS. 

Phorencina produces astonishing results; when injected in all cases, both in the 
arteries and the cavities. First, place the body on the Cooling Board, in the usual 
elevated position, then pump the blood out of the veins, by means of the Flexible Silk- 
wrapped Tubes ; or out of the heart, according to the necessities of the case. After- 
Avards inject the arteries, still pumping out the blood, alternating with the injection of 
the arteries until the arterial circulation has been fllled. And last, remove all gases from 
the cavities of the chest and the abdomen, observing the usual precautions and inject the 
fluid into these parts in the customary manner. 

Do NOT EMPLOY PhORENCINA'' FOR EXTERNAL APPLICATION, but USe the 
Hypodermic Fluid or Face Wash instead. 

Phorencina,'^ price....$2.00 per gallon. 

'' Phorencina " is shipped mostly in cases, containing twelve one-half gallon bottles, 
but if desired it can be shipped in kegs; but in such a case it must be drawn off in 
bottles as soon after its arrival as possible. 











The Emballmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 


11 ) 


Eabalaing Fluid Powder. 




Our object in placing this mixture before our patrons, is to supply those who 
may desire to manufacture their own embalming fluid, with an article of better quality, 
of more effectiveness, and at a ^^more moderate price than any other similar product 
now offered for sale. 

We claim for our Embalming Fluid Powder, that it is composed of chemically pure 
constituents, which by actual proof give it a strength of about 15 per cent, greater than 
that of any other rival compound of the same nature. But although a superior article 
in its way, it does not compare in efficiency with any of our embalming fluids, and we 
could not possibly jeopardize our honest repute by guaranteeing its effects as fearlessly as 
we do that of our other embalming preparations. 

The embalming fluid is prepared by simply dissolving one and a half pound of the 
powder into a gallon of water, hot if obtainable, as the solution of the powder will be 
more rapid. 

Neither atmospheric conditions nor climatic changes will affect the antiseptic prop¬ 
erties of either the powder or its solution. 

Fifty pounds will make thirty-three and one-third gallons of embalming fluid, cost¬ 
ing '‘BIO. 00. 

The Embalming Fluid Powder is put up in 50, 100 and 200 pound boxes, and is sold 
at the price of 20 cents per pound. 

Direction’s ;—Take 50 pounds of Embalming Fluid Powder, put the same into a 
barrel, then add 32 gallons of cold, or better, warm water, stir for five minutes, and stir 
occasionally afterward until the chemicals are well dissolved. After it has well settled 
(about two hours), it is ready for use. 








20 


The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 


“ANTIDOTINA.’’ 


-A MOST- 


POWERFUL DISmFECTAHT. 


Strictly Non=Poisonoris> 

-IT IS A- 

Concentrated Solution of Bi-Sulphites, Overcharged 

with Sulphur Dioxyde, 

-AND IS THE- 

Strongest Disinfectant 

EVER OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC. 

It is the acknowledged destroyer of all and every infections and contagions germs; 
kills all forms of low organisms; the coma of Asiatic cholera; deleterions emanations, 
and an absolute preventive against the spread of contagions disease. It is also invalnable 
for use in 

SICK ROOMS, CELLARS, SLAUGHl’ER-HOUSES. 
STABLES, WATER-CLOSETS, WASH¬ 
BOWLS, CHAMBER VESSELS, Etc. 

And for Washing the Hands and Clothing when Soiled with Infected Matter. 

It should not be used on colored fabrics, as it bleaches the same. 


FULL DIRECTIONS WITH EACH BOTTLE. 















The Embalmeks’ Supply Oo., Westport, Conn, 


21 


Utopine and Atoaizer. 



A Fragrant Preparation, 

Highly esteemed by the large num¬ 
ber of persons who are using it. 

IT IS ft POWERFUL DISINFEGTftNT, 

A certain destroyer of contagious 
germs and bacteria. Unlike other 
disinfectants of the same class, 
which simply disguise foul odors 
by substituting a stronger fra¬ 
grance of their own. Utopine 
neutralizes mephitic gases, and 
renders them harmless. It is cer¬ 
tain death to all insects and ver¬ 
min, and when sprayed in a room 
reeking with nauseous smell and 
polluted atmosphere, it renders 
the air pure and wholesome. 

THE ATOMIZER IS OF THE BEST 
WORKMANSHIP, 

and composed of the choicest ma¬ 
terial, and therefore is not likely 
to become deranged in its working 
parts. 

The Atomizer must always be 
removed from the bottle when 
not in use, and the bottle tightly 
corked. 


No. 107. 


No. 107 . Utopine (formerly called Kreotiline), small bottle, with Atomizer. $1 00 

No. 108 . pint. 2 00 

No. 109. “ quart. 3 50 




































































































































The Embalmers’ Supply Oo., Westport, Conn. 


DISINFECTING CONES. 


A SAFE 
AND SURE 
FUMIGATOR. 



GERMS OF 
CONTAGION 
DESTROYED 
COMPLETELY 


DISINFECTING CONES. 

No. 142. Disinfecting Cones. These cones are composed of the most powerful 
substances to be found in the long list of disinfectants. When used according to direc¬ 
tions, they destroy coii^Mely the germs of contagion or of infectious diseases which are 
to be found in the clothing, or the apartments of persons who may have died from scarlet 
fever, diphtheria, measles, typhus, typhoid fever, etc. These cones, manufactured from 
the formula of A. Renouard, demonstrator in the U. S. College of Embalming, are not 
intended to produce a pleasant odor, but their function is simply to destroy the deadly 
germs of infection and contagion ; and for this purpose they will be found superior to 
any other chemicals yet employed. Their use is safe, and devoid of all the risks attend¬ 
ing the burning of sulphur. 


Direction's. —Remove all gilt objects from the room, invert the bottom of the box 
containing the cone upon the lid, place the cone in the box on its broad base and ignite 
the apex, and retire from the room, leaving it closed tightly for about one hour. After¬ 
wards allow free ventilation to allow an exit for the fumes. Clothing of all sorts can be 
disinfected in the same manner by leaving in the room during the process of fumigation. 
It is also advisable to use this disinfectant in any death chamber, even if death was caused 
by a non-contagious disease, as it purifies the atmosphere of the room. 

Six cones placed in different portions of the roomi will be found sufficient to disinfect 
a room containing 36 cubic yards or about 9x12 feet, ordinary height. 


Price, 12 boxes for 


$1 00 





















































































The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 


23 


No. 141. Disinfecting Liquid for the Hands. It removes instantly the foul 
odor or fetid smell, which remains so persistently on the hands after laying out, washing 
or embalming a corpse. It is instantaneous and certain. 

DiRECTiOiTS :—Mix one tablespoonful of the liquid in a pint of water and wash the 
hands in the solution previous to using soap and water. Compounded after A. 
Renouaixhs receipt. 

Price, in pint bottles.35 cents. 

No. 112. Utopia Salve. A highly antiseptic salve, with which the hands are 
annointed previous to embalming a body. It fills the pores of the skin, covers any 
abrasions or cuts, and prevents the blood, or liquids of the subject to be embalmed, 
from being absorbed by the operation. 

Price, per box .50 cents. 



No. 112 . 


HYPODERMIC SOLUTION AND FACE WASH, 

No. 139. Hypodermic Solution and Face Wash. When used subcuta¬ 
neously by means of the hypodermic needle and bulb, removes almost immediately slight 
discolorations, dark rings under the eyes, brown spots on the face and hands, and pre¬ 
vents the peeling off of the skin. As a face wash, or when absorbent cotton saturated 
with it is applied to the face, it preserves the natural color of the features and the carna¬ 
tion of the lips. Apply pure in all cases. ' Manufactured from A. Renouard's formula. 

Price, per quart 
gallon 


$1 00 
3 00 














































24 


The Embalmees’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 


KAUTERION. 

No. 114b. A liquid possessing strong cauterizing properties ; it is intended to 
cauterize wounds received in dissection, embalming, or autopsies. The liquid is con¬ 
tained in a small drachm bottle, provided with a ground glass stopper, which terminates 
in a small glass rod constantly dipping in the liquid. The whole is enclosed in a neat 
hardwood box, provided with a lid, which when screwed down presses upon the stopper 
in the bottle and prevents any escape of the liquid. 

When needed for use, the stopper is taken out and the small drop of liquid which 
accumulates at the end of the glass rod is allowed to fall in the wound. The effect is in¬ 
stantaneous, the parts are cauterized, and the septic poison which may have innoculated 

is immediately destroyed. In replacing the stopper after opening it should be sealed 

< 

tight with melted wax. 



No. 114b. Kauterion. Price, per bottle.25 cents 

WHAT KAUTERION COULD HAVE PREVENTED. 

Brother Samuel N. Cole, of Canton, Pa., died on June 11, from blood poisoning. 
He had a cut on his finger, and while attending a body he got his finger in contact with 
the corpse.'’^— Ou7' Pa])er. 

No. 164. Vitrum or Liquid Cement. —This is a colorless liquid to stop the 
leakage of arteries, or the escajie of the fiuid out of the mouth in pulmonary 
diseases. See directions on bottle. 

Price, Pint Bottles 


50 cents. 


















































































































The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 25 



Antiseptic Lozenges. 



These Lozenges are a sure 
protection against all dangers 
of contagion, by inhalation of 
poisonous germs through the 
air passages and the alimentary 
duct. 





By placing a few of these 
Lozenges into the mouth, and 
allowing them to dissolve slow¬ 
ly, a perfect immunity from 
diphtheria and other infectious 
diseases is insured. 


mm 



0 


No. 162. —Price, per dozen boxes, $1.00. 


FALCOHY’S DESICCATING OR DRY PROCESS. 

This process facilitates the preservation of bodies, after an autopsy has been per¬ 
formed. In this instance all blood and liquids are removed from the cavities, which, 
with the internal organs, are si3onged dry ; and afterwards the mixture, as given below, 
is packed closely around the organs until the cavities of the chest and abdomen are com¬ 
pletely filled. 

AIXTURE. 

Two (2) pounds of Falcony^s Mixture, ten (10) pounds of salt, one (1) pound 
of saltpetre. 

In cases where putrefaction has progressed so far as to render useless the progress 
of embalming, pump all gases and liquids out of the cavities, and fill them with 
fluid. Then lay the body in a box on a bed of the mixture, given below, surround 
it and cover it with the same mixture so that a layer of it, about three inches in 
thickness, intervenes between the body and the air. All bad odor will thus be 
prevented, and in a few days the body will be mummified. To obtain the best results, 
the mixture ought to come in immediate contact with the remains. 


AIXTURE. 


Five (5) pounds Falcony^s Mixture and about ten (10) pounds of sawdust. 
No. 173. —Falcony’s Mixture, 5 lb. tin can.. 
















































































20 


The Bmbalmers’ Supply Oo., Westport, Conn 


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Derma is an invaluable preparation, which, when applied to the lips or eyelids, 
binds them firmly together, after holding with the fingers for a few minutes. 


Derma, when applied upon scars, excoriated or burnt surfaces, forms a new skin, 
which conceals the denuded spots. The face and hands of a corpse coated with a thin 
layer of Derma are effectually preserved from the disintegrating infiuences of the atmos¬ 
phere, and the slipping or peeling off of the skin is thus prevented. 

The bottle containing Derma should always be kept tightly corked. 


No. no. Derma, One Bottle 


$1 00 





















































































































































































































































Tub Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 


27 


Utopia Silver Plating. 



No. 111. 


No. III. Utopia Silver Plating is a liquid for re-silvering plated articles 
of brass, such as carriage and hearse lamps and mountings, and embalming instru¬ 
ments where the original plating has been worn oft. Directions for using will be 
found on the bottle, which should be kept tightly corked. Price. 












































































































































28 


The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 


* 


Vita Mystica, 



0 Elerant Preparatioi) to Kestore tlje Watora 



Of the Lips and Cheeks, and Remove the PaDcr of Death. 



No. 113. 


No. I 13 . Vita Mystica is not a common paint, but an unctuous salve which is 
spread lightly over the parts by means of a cotton wad; only a very small quantity at a 
time should be used. The changes it produces in the appearance of the remains 
are truly astonishing. It has found favor with, and is extensively used by the leading 
undertakers in the country. 


Three Tints : White, Flesh and Carmine. Price, per bottle 


50 cents. 












































































































Tpie Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Coxn. 


29 


Perfuaery. 


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As a rule all death chambers should be well ventilated, especially in cases of 
contagious diseases, and fumigated with some good disinfectant. 

In cases where death has not been due to an infectious or contagious disease, and a 
powerful disinfectant (like our Antidotbia’' or Disinfecting Cones ^’) is not necessary, 
for purifying the atmosphere of the death-room, we would advise the spraying of some 
delicate'perfumery, to relieve the deathly smell which pervades the air. 

In accordance with this idea, we have selected the best grades of French triple 
extracts of an extremely delicate odor, which, through our European connections, we are 
enabled to offer to the profession at wholesale prices. These extracts are obtained from 
cultivated flowers in Southern France by a peculiar mode of abstraction. 

It is our intention to keep in stock a greater variety, but at present we are able tc 
supply the trade with the above extracts only : 

















































































































30 


The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 


THE ANTISEPTIC BLANKET. 



The prepared cotton absorbs and dismfects all discharges or emanations. The dis¬ 
charges or diseased germs are received in the blanket and mstantly destroyed —so much 
so that the body of a loathsome small]yox corpse, ichen icrapped in this blanket, is 2 )erfectly 
safe to handle. This blanket is a great protection against jarring, etc., in transportation. 
In disinterrmg bodies, no matter in lohat stage of decomposition, they may at once be trans¬ 
ferred into this blanket, and all odors, offensiveness and da^iger in handling is removed. 
Keep the blanket just moist (not wet) and its disinfecting action is kept up continually 
without being re-wetted. We ship the blanket moist ready for use. 



This Blanket is Indorsed By the State Board of Health of Pennsylvania 

BY THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION. 

That this Board approves and recommends the antiseptic blanket for bodies of 
those who have died of contagious diseases, proposed by the Secretary (Dr. Benj. Lee) 
as a substitute for the sheet soaked in corrosive sublimate solution, heretofore required 
by the Board. 

The necessity to have, at least, one or two of these blankets on hand, must be obvious 
to every undertaker; it is a duty to themselves, their family and the public, to p)rotect 
themselves by means of this blanket. 

* 

No. 166. PRIOE PER BLANKET (COTTON GAUZE,) - - - . $ 3.00 

To secure the blanket to the body, white tape or safety-pins should be used as 

shown in illustration above. 


WE the sole AGENTS FOF^ THIS BLANKET. 





































The Embalmbrs’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 


31 


Cheaicals. 


As we use and manufacture large quantities of chemicals for the compounding of our 
many preparations, we have been enabled to obtain special rates from domestic and 
foreign producers ; and at the same time our stock needing a continuous supply, our 
goods are of the freshest and very best qualities. 

These unequalled advantages we now offer to all undertakers, who are desirous of 
compounding embalming fluids or other preparations, according to some special formula 
of their own. 

Prices given below are subject to change according to the fluctuation of market prices : 


No. I 74 ‘ Acid arsenious, lump, per lb. $0 12 

No. 175. “ powder, .. . 8 

No. 176. benzoic, per lb.•. 95 

No. 177. boric or boracic crystals, per lb. 25 

No. 178. salicylic, pure, per lb . 1 50 

No. 179. sulphurous, specific gravity 1 . 035 , per lb. 15 

No. 180. in carboys. 7 

No. 181. carbolic, white crystals, per lb. 30 

No. 182. Aluminium sulphate, white, nearly free of iron, per lb. 6 

No. 183. chloride solution, specific gravity 1 . 130 , per lb. 5 

No. 184. Alum, lump, per lb.... 4 

No. 185. purified, per lb. 6 

No. 186. Chloral hydrate crystals, per lb. 1 50 

No. 187. Chlorine water saturated, one-half gallon bottles, per lb. 10 

No. 188. Calcium chloride, nearly C. P., per lb. 40 

No. 189. Labarraque solution, one-half gallon bottles, per lb. 6 

No. 190. Glycerine, concentrated, white, in 50 lb. cans, per lb. 22 

No. 191. Potassa nitrate (Saltpetre), per lb. 12 

No. 192. Mercury bichloride, per lb.. 1 00 

No. 193. Soda arseniate, white, 25 lbs. or larger packages, per lb. 20 

No 194. Soda sulphite, 25 lb. packages, per lb. 13 

No. 195. Soda hyposulphite, 25 lb. packages, per lb. 6 

No. 196. Soda bisulphite, per lb. 35 

No. 197. 25 lb. packages (jar), per lb . 30 

No. 198. solution, per gallon. 80 

No. 199. Zinc chloride solution, 50 per cent., in half gallon bottles, per lb. . 12 

No. 200. in 5 or 10 gallon kegs, per lb. 10 

No. 201. sulphate crystals, purified, in 25 lbs. or larger packages, per lb.. 7 


Boxes or bottles will be charged at cost, and if bottles are returned, freight prepaid 
will be credited. 































32 


The Embalmers’ Supply Oo., Westport, Conn. 


“ANTIDOTE” AGAINST ARSENICAL POISONING, 


Arsenical poisoning by Embalming fluids containing arsenious acids have occurred 
often within the last few years, which fact makes it advisable for the Embalmer to keep 
on hand, and ready for immediate use, an antidote for arsenious poisons. We have 
therefore selected the best formula known, which consists of two different liquids put up 
in separate bottles. Directions accompany each bottle. 

No. 263. Price. 75 cents. 


Care of Instruaents. 


Metal instruments should always be ke23t in a dry place to prevent them from rusting, 
when not in use. After they have been employed, it is a good plan to cleanse them by an 
immersion in hot water. This will not only prevent the embalming fluid from attacking 
the metal, but it will also act as a preventive against carrying germs of contagion or 
infection in them. After drying them off with a clean cloth, or chamois, rub them with 
tallow, and allow a thin coating of the grease to remain on the metal portion of the 
instrument. Instruments served in this manner will always look bright and be in a 
presentable condition. 

Rubber instruments should be kept in a cool, dry and dark place, as heat will injure 
them. After using they should be cleaned with cold water and dried before putting away. 
Rubber tubing should be thoroughly cleaned by placing it in cold water (running if 
possible) and then hung up so the water will run out. When dry it can be placed in 
cabinet without injury to the instruments. Hard rubber instruments break easily, con¬ 
sequently more care should be taken in handling them than with metal instruments. 

The washers on the plunger of the Atmospheric Pump should be kept in a pliable con¬ 
dition, by pouring a few drops of Neatsfoot oil on them. Two or three drops of oil at a 
time placed in the barrel of the pump will keep it in good condition. The valves, if 
metal, as well as the valve seats, should always be kept clean. If the valves are made of 
rubber, no oil should come in contact with them. We repair our pumps, free of charge, 
unless parts have been carelessly broken. 













4 


r 



UTOPIA” 


CASES * 


CABI]^ETS. 



3 


33 



































34 


The Emhalmeks’ 


Suppi.Y Co., Westport, Coxx. 




No. 149. The Pearce Satchel, shown above, is the $70.00 outfit. 

For further prices, see page 35. 

The construction and interior arrangement of this practical embalmers" outfit was 
suggested by Mr. Josiah S. Pearce, the well and favorably known F. D. of Ardmore, Pa. 

The satchel is designed to hold three half gallon bottles standing upright, with a 
large folding fieece-lined tray for instruments, which fits on one side of the bottles, and 
another rubber-lined tray for tubing, sponge, or other moist articles on the other side; 
a space in one corner of the satchel being reserved for sundry articles. 

^“PLEASE ORDER BY NUMBER. 





























































































































































The Embalmers’ Supply Co , Westport, Conn. 35 

No. 145. The Pearce Satchel, with 3 one-half gallon bottles and stopples, 

no instruments.. $18 00 


No. 146. The Pearce Satchel, same as above, besides the following : Alpha 
Syringe, Embalming Needle, Scalpel, Aneurism Needle, Forcep, Scissors, 
two Nozzles, three Surgeon Needles, H. R. Nasal Tube, Catheter, Spool 
Silk, Sponge, Soft Thimble. 25 00 

No 147* The Pearce Satchel, same as No. 146 , besides Atmospheric Pump, 
Goose-neck and Tubing, (instead of Alpha Syringe), besides the following : 

Cavity Needle, Renouard Needle, Director, Bistouri, Cardiac Needle, Hypo¬ 


dermic Needle. 40 00 

No. 148. The Pearce Satchel, same as No. 147 , besides two Silk Flexible 
Tubes, Infant Trocar, Artery Washer, 6-inch Renouard Needle, Suction 
Leecher, Utopine and Atomizer, Kauterion. 50 00 


No. 149. The Pearce Satchel, same as No. 148 (antiseptic and Aluminum 
instruments), besides Extra Goose-neck and Tubing, Pump-holder, two anti¬ 
septic Scalpels, large and small. Eye Forceps, Curved Scissors, 1 Renouard 
Nozzle with rod, 1 E. S. Co. Chin Supporter, Pocket Trocar, Tube Holder, 

Derma, Sponge Bag^ Box Salve, Soap Book, Adhesive Plaster, 2 Disinfect¬ 
ing Cones, 2 Boxes Lozenges, Vita Mystica, Silver Plating, Roll Cotton 
Bandage... 70 00 

No. 150. The Pearce Satchel, same as No. 149 , besides 1 pair P. G. Surgeon 
Gauntlets, 1 dozen Eye Caps, Ivory Scalpel, Ivory Aneurism Needle, Ivory 
Arterial Hook, 4 Renouard Nozzles with rod, 15 -inch Renouard Needle, 15 - 
inch Embalming Needle, Set Gem Chin Supporters, Dolge Automatic 
Injector, bottle Perfumery and Atomizer, Needle Holder with catch. Cross¬ 
action Forceps, small Nasal Tube, Catling Knife, 2 long Aluminum 


Arterial Nozzles. 100 00 

No. 151. Satchel without Trays and Bottles. 9 00 

No. 152. Instrument Tray only. 5 00 

No. 153. Tray for Sponges and Tubing only. 3 00 


R. R. Bringhurst, the well-known F. D. of Philadelphia, Pa., writes us the follow¬ 
ing without any solicitation : 

June 5 , 1893 . 

I have examined your ^ Pearce Satchel ^ very carefully and find it complete 
in all its appointments. I think it is something the Trade has stood in need of for 
some time. It is only another evidence that you are anxious to accommodate the Funeral 
Directors with such paraphernalia as every well-equipped establishment should contain, 
and by placing in their hands the tools which properly directed by an educated brain 
will lift our calling from a business to a profession. I trust that your honest efforts will 
meet with the reward that they deserve.'’^ 

See next page for Mr. J. S. Pearce’s comments on this satchel. 

















30 


Tub Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 


Read Mr, Pearce's Comments on the Satchel. 


Ardmore, Pa., March 9, 1893. 

Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 

Gentlemen :—The satchel reached me by express this morning and is, by all odds^ 
the most complete EmbalmeiV Outfit that I have ever seen. I do not believe that there 
is anything in the market that can equal it as regards its completeness,^^ and cannot 
conceive an improvement in either its construction or appearance. 

It is the first article of its kind that I have seen, which is of sufficient carrying 
capacity to meet all the varied requirements of the practitioner in a proper performance 
of his duties as an embalmer, and must supplant all the small and insufficient outfits 
heretofore in use by our people. 

The increased size and weight of the package is more than compensated for in the 
addition of the extra bottle, which is so frequently a necessity when removing blood or 
other fluid from the body. 

The fact that you have constructed a satchel which gives to the embalmer the use on 
all occasions of a full gallon of fluid, with the use of an additional bottle, for other 
purposes, should alone be a sufficient recommendation to insure to you the sale of one of 
these improved appliances to every Funeral Director in America. 

It is well known that a large portion of the failures in the experience of all of us, is 
attributable to the fact that an insufficent quantity of fluid was trusted or rather expected 
to do the work which required and commanded an increased amount of the preservative. 
This is particularly the case in the cavity work practiced by so many embalmers at 
this time. The complete and perfect preservation of an adult human body, in warm 
weather, by the use of a very small quantity of any fluid, no matter of what make or how 
highly recommended by graduates of one-day embalming schools, is such a monstrous 
and dangerous mis-statement that it requires only amoment^s careful thought to convince 
any person having the slightest knowledge of the human body or of its tendency to rapid 
decomposition, of its fallacy. The carrying of the bottles in a standing position must 
present itself as a decided improvement over the satchels heretofore used in which the 
loose fitting or insecurely fastened corks work the destruction of the package, injury to 
the instruments and loss of the contents of the bottles. 

In regard to the instruments composing the contents of the satchel, I have only to 
say that in my judgment, everything required, in the practice of the embalmer of this 
day, is contained in this outfit. In other words, all that an embalmer requires, in addi¬ 
tion to your new outfit, is a knowledge of the science of embalming, as taught in the U. S. 
College of Embalming, to insure his success in the performance of the most important 
branch of the business in which he is engaged. 

In regard to your request that I will permit you to use my name in connection with 
this new creation, I have to say that you have my full and free permission to use my 
name in any connection where its use will be of advantage to either your firm, the 
College which you have been instrumental in giving to the world, or to the people com¬ 
posing the calling of which I have been a life-long member. If my suggestion in refer¬ 
ence to the construction of this outfit was of any worth to you, I am indeed proud to 
think that I have been of as much worth to the profession in making the suggestions, as to 
your firm in assisting in the production of an article that should have a ready sale and 
supply a want that has presented itself to myself as well as to many others of my 
acquaintances who are engaged in the business of embalming and funeral directing. 

I thank you for the honor conferred, and stand ready at all times and in all places to 
proclaim the merits of ^^The Pearce Satchel/’ 

Wishing you the greatest success in your efforts to increase the efficiency of the work 
we are daily doing, by giving to us the very best productions of brain as well as factory, 
with which to do that work, I am, as ever. 

Very sincerely yours, JOSIAH S. PEARCE. 






The Embalmehs’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 


37 


The Professional Wallet. 


^PLEASE ORDER BY NUMBER. 


No. I. The Professional or Embalmers’Wallet is made of best quality 
of leather, with polished steel mountings and clasps, and provided with a Yale 
safety lock. The folding tray containing the instruments is made of black leather; 
and all parts of the Wallet are substantially and neatly sewed together. It holds 
three one-quart or two half-gallon bottles, and contains the following instruments : 
Embalming needle, bulb syringe, three arterial nozzles, scalpel, aneurism needle, 
arterial hook, forceps, scissors, catheter, three surgeons^ needles, silk, chain and 
hooks, six artery binders, bottles with patent stoppers, razor, razor-strop, comb. 


sponge, shaving-cup, hair-brush, shaving-brush, three feet tubing.^20 00 

No. la. The Professional or Embalmers’ Wallet, with instruments as 
above, and atmospheric pump with goose neck and tubing. 30 00 

No. II. The Professional or Embalmers’ Wallet, with either three 
one quart or two half-gallon bottles, with patent stoppers and tray for instru¬ 
ments, no instruments, etc. 12 00 



PROFESSIONAL, OR EMBALMERS’ WALLET. 



TRAY FOR No. la. 

No. 264. Instrument Tray, only, no instruments 


83 50 





























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































38 


The E:mbalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn 


Cabinets. 


They are made of black walnut, highly finished ; with nickel-plated corners and 
handle ; neatly jointed and of the best workmanship. 

No. 2. Cabinet —with three one quart bottles, with the same instruments as 


in No. 1.$15.00 

No. 3. Cabinet —with four one-quart bottles, with same instruments as 
in No. 1. 16.00 

No. 12. Cabinet for four one-quart bottles, no instruments, etc. 7.00 

No. 13. Cabinet for three one-quart bottles, no instruments, etc. 6.00 



No. 2. CABINET COMPLETE. 































































































The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 


39 


The Utopia Folding Cabinet. 



No. 154. Containing the following Instruments :—One English catheter, 
three hard rubber arterial nozzles, one open and one closed thimble, one rubber 
embalming needle, one metal embalming needle, one nasal tube, hard rubber, one 
bulb syringe, four one-quart bottles, four rubber stoppers, one gallon Knowles^ 
cavity fluid. Price, complete..$11 00 

No. 155. Contains the following :—One hard rubber nasal tube, four hard 
rubber nozzles, one open and one closed end thimble, one metal embalming needle, 
one hard rubber embalming needle, one aneurism needle, one scalpel, one forcep, one 
pair scissors, one catheter, one bulb syringe, one set surgeons^ needles, four one- 
quart bottles, square, four rubber stoppers, one gallon Knowles^ cavity or Utopia 
fluid. Price, complete...$14 00 

These cases are made of black walnut, and are highly polished; they have a large 
plain drop handle, and a Yale lock, and are able to hold more instruments than enumer¬ 
ated above. 











































40 


The EmBxVlmeks’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 


The “Graduate.” 


No. 136 is in every way similar to the Professional, in material, shape and quality. 
It is intended as an outtit for those who have graduated in the United States College of 
Embalming, and contains all the instruments and special attachments used in the 
College in the embalming of bodies. Size of Craduate about one-third larger 
than Professional.^^ The tray for the instruments is lined inside with fine chamois, 
and the contents are as follows : 

Atmospheric pump, two goose necks with tubing, leecher, cavity needle, 
Renouard needle, embalming needle, artery washer, nasal tube, catheter, four 
arterial nozzles, hypodermic needle, infant trocar, director, scissors, bistouri, 
scalpel, aneurism needle, three surgeon^s needles, one dozen artery binders, 
pump holder, sponge bag, sponge, one pair forceps, tube holder, soap book, roll 
adhesive plaster, two s|)ools of silk, box salve, two half-gallon graduated bottles 
with patent stoppers, one bottle derma, one bottle Utopine with atomizer. Price, 
complete..$50 00 


No. 136. “GRADUATE” SATCHEL, COMPLETE. 

No. 135. The Graduate ” without instruments, but with tray and 
bottles.$15 00 

No. 4. Atmospheric Pump Case, containing atmospheric pump, with 
goose neck and tubing, cavity needle, two arterial nozzles, scalpel, aneurism 
needle, scissors, forceps and six artery binders. 14 00 

No. 4a. Atmospheric Pump, hard rubber, in case, with the following 
instruments : Rubber goose neck and tubing, one cavity needle, scissors, scalpel^ 
forceps, aneurism needle, three nozzles, six artery binders. 11 00 

No. 4b. Atmospheric Pump, hard rubber, with rubber goose neck and 
tubing, in case, no instruments. C 00 






















































The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 


41 


No. 4c. Atmospheric Pump, hard rubber, with goose neck and tubing, no 
case. . $5 00 

This pump is in every respect similar to the metallic one, working in the same man¬ 
ner, the only diSerence being in the material of which the pump is made. 

No. 5 * Rubber Force Pump, in case, containing embalming needle, three 
nozzles, one nasal tube, one catheter, one open, one closed end thimble, one scalpel, 
one aneurism needle, one scissors, one forceps, one arterial hook, six artery binders, $10,00 

This is the ordinary single action pump, simply drawing the fluid from any vessel 
and forcing it out by the down stroke of the plunger. It is so well-known that it scarcely 
needs any further description. 

No. 63. The same, without instrument. $5 00 

We cannot recommend this pump for durability or perfect work for any length of 
time, as the plunger and the valves become impaired in their action by the desiccative 
properties of the fluid, with which they are in contact whilst the pump is being used; 
moreover the material (hard rubber) of which the pump is composed, is very brittle, and 
unless very carefully handled some of the parts may be easily broken. 



No. 6. 


No. 6 . Infant Atmospheric Pump, with Goose-neck and Tubing, in 

case, with one small embalming needle, one infant trocar, one scalpel, forceps, 

scissors, aneurism needle, one small nozzle.Sll 00 

A small metallic pump in a neat shagreen case, and provided with small instruments 
suitable for the treatment of infantile bodies. The pump is an atmospheric pump, 
working on the same principle as the larger one. 



































































The Embal:viers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn 


42 



No. 7. 

No. 7 * Pocket Case with folding instruments, one embalming needle, two 
nozzles, one forceps, one trocar, one scissors, one scalpel, one aneurism needle, 
arterial hook . |8 50 

A neat morocco case, satin lined and containing many of the necessary attachments* 



No. 8. 

No. 8. Pocket Case filled as above, but no folding instruments 


$7 50 



















































































Tjie Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Coxn 


43 



No. 8a. 


No. 8a. Pocket Case, fine sealskin, folding, containing the following 
anti-septic instruments: bistonri, scissors, two scalpels, infant trocar, director, 
nasal tube, Reuouard needle, two arterial nozzles, hypodermic needle, aneurism 

needle...;j^l4 

This is a beautiful pocket case, expressly made for the use of the students in the United 
States College of Embalming, and containing all the attachments used in the College. 



No. 9. 

No. 9. Instrument Case, containing bulb syringe, embalming needle, two 
arterial nozzles, one scalpel, one aneurism needle, one forceps, one scissors, 
one catheter... ^6 00 




































































































































44 


The Embalmeks’ Supply Co., Westpokt, Coxn. 



No. ga. 


No. pa. Post Mortem Case, containing the following instruments: 
Cartilage knife, Gatlin knife, scalpel, arterial hook, chisel, metecarpel saw, 
scissors, forceps, blow pipe.... $12 00 

A neat case containing all the instruments necessary for holding an autopsy, opening 
the skull and examining the brain ; raising the sternum by cutting through the costal 
cartilages, etc. It is chiefly intended for the use of coroners, or of those undertakers in 
whose establishments inquests and post mortem examinations are frequently held. 

No. 10. Continuous Flow Syringe, with case, containing embalming 
needle, three nozzles, one catheter, one nasal tube. $5 00 



No. 65. 

A common Bulb Syringe, whose delivery is so contrived as to expand under the 
pressure of the fluid ; its tendency to contract when filled with fluid producing an even 
and continuous flow. 

No. 65. Continuous Flow Syringe, without instruments. $2 00 

No. 14. The Hypodermic Syringe, with two platina needles. This is a 
small glass syringe, provided with two very slender platinum needles. It is 
intended to introduce the fluid under the skin, in those parts which being unpro¬ 
tected by the hair or beard j the puncture made by the ordinary hypodermic needle. 


















































The Embalmers’ Suppla" Co., Westport, Conn 


45 


which is much larger and longer, would be easily detected. It is especially 
adapted for use on the bodies of females and infants. The syringe and needle are 
pub up in a neat morocco case fastened with a spring clasp . $2 50 



No. 14. 

No. 15. Star Razor, the gem case, with two blades. $3 50 



No. 15. 

















































46 


The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn 


No. i6i. The Dolge Automatic Injector. This excellent device enables the 
operator to reduce the time of injecting about one-half. After having set the Injector 
at work, and the flow of fluid regulated, he can attend to the cavities or other work 
which needs attention ; or, if actually necessary, the Injector can be left to do its work, 
while the embalmer attends to another case. 


E 



Place the goose-neck (E) tightly in the bottle, then close the discharge tube by screw¬ 
ing up the cut-off ( 0 ), and fill the large black air-chamber (A) by compressing the small 
bulb (D), until the large bulb reaches a size about 18 inches in circumference (which will 
empty a half-gallon bottle, or 17 inches in circumference will empty a quart bottle), then 
connect the discharge tube with either an arterial tube or embalming needle, and after 
making all arrangements for injecting either in the artery or cavity, as the case may be, 
open up the discharge tube by unscrewing the cut-off (C) gradually, and the fluid will 
begin to flow immediately. 

The amount of fluid to be injected can be regulated with the air cut-off (B), by 
simply raising or lowering it in the tube which suspends from the goose-neck. As the 
fluid escapes through the discharge tube the floating valve follows it until the fluid 
reaches a level with the bottom of the cut-off, when the valve will immediately check the 
flow of the fluid. 


Price, in neat case, without bottle 


$6 00 






































































































































The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 


47 


No. 163. The Undertakers’Necessary. Contains instruments needed by 
undertakers who do not regularly embalm bodies, but must notwithstanding 
be prepared to pump gases from and inject fluid in the cavities and remove 
discoloration at short notice, or exhaust the water of dropsy. To this end 
we are now presenting to the profession a compact and neat satchel contain¬ 
ing the instruments needed to meet emergencies, also give a list of those 
which will be found useful. The satchel contains the following : 1 Atmos¬ 
pheric pump with Goose-neck and tubing, 1 Hypodermic Needle, 1 Cavity 
Exhausting Tube, 1 Scalpel, 1 Reversible Trocar, 3 Surgeons’ Needles, 1 E. 
S. Co. Chin Supporter, 1 dozen Cleats. 1 dozen Eye Caps, 1 Spool Surgeons’ 
Silk, 1 bottle Utopine and Atomizer, 1 bottle Derma, 1 Vita Mystica, 1 Soap 
Book, 1 Sponge and Sponge Bag. 



Complete 


$30 00 


No. 140. Hypodermic Bulb for use with Hypodermic Needle in removing dis¬ 
colorations ... 

No. 21. Renouard needle for removing gases. 

No. 47. Leecher for puncturing the limbs in dropsy cases to relieve water.... 


No. 165. 1 lb. Roll Lintine for face covering and wrapping around the limbs in 
dropsy cases. 

No. 139. 1 Qi^art Hypodermic fluid for bleaching the face and hands, and 

injection under the skin. 

No. 142. 1 Dozen Disinfecting Cones. 


No 162. 1 Box Antiseptic Lozenges 


10 














48 


TnR Embalmbrs’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 



No. 202. Embalming Fluid 
Test Case. To better protect 
the glassware we have devised a 
case which will not take much 
space, and is gotten up plain, but 
practical. It contains the follow¬ 
ing : 

No. 265. 1 Hydrometer 

Jar on foot, 12 in. high and 
H in. wide.$0 75 

No. 266. 1 Hydrometer 

from 0° to 40°. 1 40 


No. 267 . 1 Acme Gradu¬ 
ate, 2 oz..»».••••.•••••.. 35 

No. 268 . 1 Cylinder 

Graduate, 2 dr. 40 

No. 269 . Bicarbonate 

Soda Measure. 10 

Case for above. 50 


$3 50 


Any of the articles can be had separate. 


No. 270. 1 Pint Iodine Test Solution... 40 

No. 271. 1 Quart, “ . 75 

No. 272. 4 oz. Bicarbonate of Soda. 5 

No. 273. 1 lb. “ .. 15 


INSTRUMENT ROLL. 

Having had a great many inquiries for something neat and convenient, in which 
instruments could be carried, separate from a satchel or cabinet, we have made, and now 
carry in stock, a ileece-lined Instrument Roll with enough loops made to fit the ordinary 
instruments, and a few extras, necessary for embalming. These rolls are similar to those 
carried by our agents, only they are not so large, the length being 17 inches and the 
width 14 inches. Larger rolls will be made to order at a proportionate increase in price, 
but parties desiring anything different than the above, will please give exact measurements, 
number of loops desired, etc. 

We guarantee all our goods to be as represented or money will be refunded. 


No. 277. Instrument Roll, 14x17 


85 00 






































































































































































• 4 




































50 


Tiip] Embalmi:rs’ Supply Go., Westport, Coxn. 


0TM0SPHERie Pump and Exhauster. 



No. 16. This pump, which embodies within itself the dual properties of both an 
injector and of an aspirator, can be used for either purpose, according to the will of the 
operator. The action of the pump as an injector is based upon atmospheric pressure, 
air being forced by the pump into the bottle containing the fluid, thereby causing its 
escape out of a delivery tube into the body to be injected. 

To use the pump as an aspirator it is only necessary to shift the supply tube from 
one nipple to the other. In this instance, the air is exhausted from an empty bottle 
connected with the pump, producing a vacuum which is gradually filled by the liquids 
contained in the body, as in dropsy and hydro-thorax. By operating the pump in this 
manner, it is evident that the danger of soiling either the clothing, the cooling board, or 
even the carpeting of a room, is entirely avoided, as the liquids withdrawn from the body 
are confined in a bottle which can be emptied when convenient. 

As the fluid does not enter the body of the pump, it is obvious, that all its parts are 
beyond the possibility of corrosion, thus insuring its working durability for an unlimited 
time. 

The accompanying cut and explanation will illustrate more fully the manner of 
working the pump. On the square block at the end of the pump can be seen two 
arrows pointing the direction of the air current; the one turned downwards indicates that 
through the corresponding nipple the air is forced into a bottle containing fluid, and the 
pressure thus exerted forces the fluid into either the arteries or cavities of the subject, as 
the case may be. The opposite arrow pointing upwards shows that suction is produced 
on that side. As in the preceding instance, the pump is connected with a bottle, this 
time an empty one, and a vacuum being created in the bottle by the working of the 
pump, all 'the liquids or gases contained in the thoracic and abdominal cavities, or the 
blood contained in the arteries and veins, can in this manner be pumped into the empty 
bottle without running the risk of soiling any of the surrounding objects. 

In the modifications which have taken place of late in the embalming process, the 
splendid features of the pump are exhibited in a most forcible and interesting manner. 

For instance, in certain cases the force side of the pump is connected with a bottle 
full of fluid, and the contents thereof injected into the arteries of the subject, while the 
exhausting side being connected with an empty bottle, as described above, the blood can 
be pumped out of the veins at the same time that the arteries are being injected. 







51 


The Embalmeks’ Supply Co., AVestport, Ooxx. 


THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION OF THE GOOSE-NECK MAY 
SERVE TO CONVEY A STILL CLEARER CONCEPTION 
OF THE MODE OF ACTION AND THE MECHANI¬ 
CAL WORKINGS OF THE PUMP. 



No. 4. ATMOSPHERIC PUMP, COMPLETE 


r^i . ■V.'- 


Up 



ii 

1 ".i 

' ill 


mu 


To use this apparatus as an injector, make your connections as indicated in the 
above cut, by slipping the rubber tubes e and / over and on to the respective ends 
of the double goose neck proceeding out of stopper, unto the tube / g: attach either a 






































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































Tiir Embalmers’ Supply Oo., Westport, Goxx. 


51> 


nozzle or the embalming needle, as the nature of the operation may require; the tube e d 
being the air tube, is then attached to the outlet of the pump, a, at c; the standing tube 
h is then attached to the bottom of the stopper and inserted or immersed into the fluid, 
using the stopper for closing the opening of the vessel containing the same. By operating 
the pump when thus prepared, fluid is forced from the bottle through the tube hh ff g. 

To use it as an exhauster remove the standing tube A, take an empty bottle, which 
may be securely closed by the stopper, and change the end of the tube d to the inlet of 
the pump c, when the desired result will be obtained by operating the pump. 


No. 4 . Atmospheric Pump, complete, with instruments.$14 00 

No. i6. Atmospheric Pump, without instruments. 10 00 



No. 61. 

No. 6i. The Goose Neck is a rubber stopper pierced by two metallic tubes, 
e and/, and which fit tightly into the neck of the bottle. The shorter of the two 
tubes, e, is almost even with the under side of the stopper, and as it rs solely 
intended as an air hole for the purpose of forcing or of exhaustion, it is q,Iwgv^ 
connected with the pump by means of a rubber tubing. The other tube, / and h, 
which protrudes for about one inch beyond the under side of the cork, is also 
connected by means of rubber tubing with the instruments, Avhether it be embalming 
needle or arterial nozzle, serves to convey liquids either to or from the bottles. 

This explanation of the uses of the goose neck may render the description of the 
workings of the atmospheric pump more clearly and lucid to our patrons. 12 00 
































































The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 


53 



Embalming Reedle 


At times erroneously called trocar, is a sharp-pointed tube intended to be 
introduced into the abdomen for the purpose of injecting fluid into the 
cavities of the abdomen and the chest. The sectional needle is simply the 
same divided in two parts for the greater convenience of carrying it in a 
pocket case. 

No. i8. Embalming Needle (9-i- inches long)...... ... $1 25 


No. i8a. tube smaller.... . 1 25 

No. 19. (12 ). 1 50 

No. 20. (Si ) sectional. 1 50 

No. 20a. •• (6 ) (eye trocar). 1 00 

No. 274. ^2 ) bent. 1 50 

No. 167. ) curved. 1 50 

No. 168. Gas Needle, 15 inches. 2 00 

No. 203. Extracting and Injecting Needle combined. 3 00 

No. 204. Renouard Needle, 15 inches. 1 75 

No. 205. Embalming . . 1 75 

No. 206. perforated . 1 50 

No. 207. hard rubber, steel point.. 2 00 

No. 20 S. Renouard Needle, gold plated point, 12 inches, 15 

inches ..bO, 2 25 

No. 209. Embalming Needle, gold plated point, 12 inches, 15 

inches.bO, 2 25 


No 210. Renouard Needle, detachable point, 12 or 15 inches long .... 1 75 

See illustration on page 58. 


0LUMINUM -Instruments 


In offering this line of Aluminum goods we desire to call attention to the 
following advantages which it possesses, and to make some suggestions as to 
the care and use of instruments made of this metal. Among the advantages 
are its lightness, and articles made of Aluminum do not require plating, but 
retain their original appearance after long use. Instruments made of Alumi¬ 
num are only about one-third the weight of those made of the ordinary metals 
used, hence are to be preferred both in use and for carrying. As the metal is 
not as hard as brass or composition, care should be taken, if you wish to 
preserve the polished surface, not to knock or rub them against hard or 
rough surfaces as might occur if tlirown loose into a bag with other instru¬ 
ments. 

An advance of 25 cents over price of our regular instruments is made for 
the following : Embalming Needles, Renouard Needles, Cavity Exhausting 
Tube, Arterial Nozzles, Nasal Tubes, Leecher, Forceps, Artery Washer, 
Goose-neck. The Atmospheric Pump made of Aluminum, $2.00 extra. 























































































No. i8. 


EMBALMING NEEDLES. 


I 


No. 18 a. 



No. 19. 



No. 20 . 




No. 26 











































































































































































The Embalmees’ Supply Co., Westport, Coxx. 55 


The Renouard Needle is a sharp pointed tube having perforations in a spiral 
line, extending from the point to about the middle of the needle. It is introduced in 
the abdomen in the same manner as the embalming needle, but it is used to remove gases 
or liquids from the cavities, stomach and intestines, and being perforated in many places 
is not so apt to become obstructed as the embalming needle by the tissues through which 


it passes. 

No. 21 . Kenouard Needle. $1 50 

No. 22 . sectional ..'. 1 50 

No. 22 a. “ 6 inches long . 1 00 



No. 23. 


No. 23. The Hypodermic Needle. A small, slender, hollow needle, which is 
introduced under the skin of the face or hands to inject fluids, where slight patches of 
discoloration have commenced to make their appearance. 

By the aid of this most valuable little instrument the above symptoms can be 
instantaneously removed, and by skillful handling the small puncture made by the 
needle can be entirely concealed..... SI 50 



No. 24. 


No. 24. The Infant Trocar, a short tube about four inches in length, is 
provided with a sharp rod to facilitate its insertion. It is chiefly used for inject¬ 
ing the air passages in cases where it is impossible to inject the fluid in any other 
way. It is also successfully employed for injecting the brain, where the arterial 
circulation has been destroyed. 



No. 25. 

No. 25. Hypodermic Needle (platina, inches long). 

(See description of No. 14.) 


75 


No. 26. Cavity Exhausting Tube. This a blunt hollow needle, perforated 
in all directions up to about one-third of its length. It is used for removing 
dropsical water from the abdominal cavity, and not being provided with a sharp 
end, its introduction into the abdomen is not attended with the danger of perfora¬ 
ting any arteries or destroying any parts of the circulatory system. 



































No. 167 













































































































































































































































































57 


The Embalmers’ Supply Go., Westport, Conn. 


No. i68. Gas Needle. This needle has its origin in the desire to avoid the 
very often unpleasant matter which the cavities contain, being forced against the 
hand, and soiling the cutf or coat, when entering the cavities. Also, to supply 
a better bearing (fZ) for the hand, when pushing the needle through the abdominal 
wall, at the same time allowing the gases or liquid matter to escape through an 
outlet (c) into a bottle or other vessel, by connecting the same with tubing. The 
protector, h and d, can be unscrewed and placed on the outlet nipple (c), or can be 
left off, as the case may demand. Fig. I. shows needle ready to puncture the abdo¬ 
men ; a is the tube; b is the hollow tube which screws over the nipples ; d is 
a hard rubber ball-shaped handle, firmly secured in the cap {b) ; c is the nipple 
through which the gases, etc., esca2)e. Fig. 11. shows the protector when in use. 


Fig. III. shows the needle without the protector and exposing nipple {d). 

Pi'ice.. $2 00 

No. 274. Renouard Needle, bent at right angle on the injecting end. The 
object of this shaped needle is to prevent the tubing from kinking. Price. 1 50 


No. 167. Renouard Needle—Curved. This needle is intended to more 
readily reach the lumbar regions. Both of the above needles were suggested by 
Mr. W. 0. Barber, of Geneva, N. Y., and they have found favor with those who 
have used them. Price. 1 50 

No. 203. Injecting and Extracting Needle—Combined. This needle 
will be found very useful in many instances. It enables the operator to inject and 
extract a cavity at the same time, thereby washing out the same and cleansing it 
of all liquid matter, which so often is the cause of failure, if not properly 
removed. It also does away with cutting an opening into the abdomen to allow 
the old cavity needle (No. 26) to enter, as, after puncturing the abdomen, the point 
can be either screwed out partially, as shown in Fig. II.. or be removed altogether. 

No arteries can be injured and all matter can be extracted from point d, on which 
the hose is fastened. To extract the liquid matter only with the Utopia’’ pump, 
a soft rubber thimble is placed on nipple (c). When injecting, the tubing is con¬ 
nected on nipple (c), the point (b) having holes to admit the passage of the fluid. 

As the fluid fills up the cavity, the gases, which may be contained therein, escapes 
easily through the outer tube {a) and nipple {d). 

[a) is the outside perforated tube of the needle; (b) is the point of the inject¬ 
ing needle, with holes, which allows the fluid to passthrough ; (c) is the injecting 
nipple connected with the injecting needle ; (d) is the extracting nipple connected 
with the outside tube ; (e) is the screw thread on injecting needle ; (/’) is the set 
screw to fasten the injecting needle Avhen partially drawn out, as in Fig. II. Fig. 

I. shows the needle ready for injecting and extracting. Fig. II. shows the needle 
for extracting only ; only the soft thimble, which in this case should be on nipple 
(c), is not shown. Price. . . 3 00 










58 


Tin: Embalmeks’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 


No. 210. Renouard Needle, detachable point, 15 in 


$1 75 



PATENT APPLIED FOR. 

No. 2 II. The Renouard Nozzle, with rod. 

This nozzle is supplied with a blunt tapering rod (a), over which the tube fits 
closely, thus preventing the annoying possibility of pushing forward the inner coat of 
the artery, when inserting the tube, as is often done with the old style nozzles. They 
are made in four sizes. 



No. 212. Renouard Nozzle 


$0 50 



No. 213. Renouard Nozzle 


50 








No. 216. Arterial Nozzle, four sizes 


50 


No. 210. 











































































































































































The Embalmers’ Supply Go., Westport, Ooxx. 



No. 28. 


No. 28. Scalpel. The knife commonly used to 
incise the skin when it is desirable to raise an artery. 
The scalpel with the antiseptic handle can be so easily and 
thoroughly cleansed as not to retain the least traces of its 
use. The folding scalpel, like all other instruments 
so articulated, is devised for carrying in the pocket case. 


Price. 10 50 

No. 29. Scalpel (ivory handle). 1 00 

No. 30. (antiseptic handle). 1 00 


No. 30. “ (antiseptic handle). 1 00 



No. 31. Scalpel, folding (rubber handle) . 75 

No. 32. (turtle shell handle, with catch) 1 75 


“ No. 33. Bistouri. A thin, curved bladed knife, used 
with the fascia needle to separate membranes and the 
sheath surrounding the arteries and veins. Price . 1 00 



No. 34. 


No 34. Bistouri, folding. 


1 50 


(( 


No. 35. 


(( 


with catch 


1 75 





























































60 


The Embalmers’ Supply Co., AVestport, Conn 



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No. 223. No. 222. No. 221. No. 220. 


No. 217. 


No. 218. No. 219. 


No. 223. This needle, which is joractically the same as No. 36, described on page 61, 
is provided Avith an opening in the side of the eye, Avhich allows the needle to be threaded 
by simply passing the thread into the slot, thereby avoiding the often tedious process of 
pushing the thread through the eye. 


No. 262. Catling knife. Antiseptic handle, blade 6 inches long. 


$2 75 




































































































































































































































































































































































































The EmbalmEK8’ Supply Co., Westport, Ooxx. 


61 



No. 55, The Director or Fascia Needle is introduced groove upwards 
under the fascia, covering the muscles, and also into the sheath surrounding the 
arteries and veins; and the bistouri being run into the groove, the operator 
is thus enabled to separate the parts without incurring the risk of destroying any 
of the arterial or venous branches. Price . 10 75 



No. 36. 


No. 36. Aneurism Needle is in the shape of a hook provided with an eye 
at its extremity, by which means a ligature can be easily passed under an artery 
or a vein. 50 



No. 37. 


No. 37. Aneurism Needle (folding). 75 



No. 38. 

No. 38. Arterial Hook. For raising to the surface any nerve or blood 
vessel exposed to view.. 50 


No. 39. Arterial Hook (folding) 


75 






























































The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn 



No. 230. 


No. 229. No. 228. No. 227. No. 226. No. 225. No. 224. 

No. 224. Bistouri, antiseptic, hollow handle.... . $1 40 

No. 225. Aneurism Needle, antiseptic, hollow handle. 1 40 

No. 226. solid . 1 15 

No. 227. Bistouri, antiseptic, solid handle. 1 15 

No. 228. Aneurism Needle, antiseptic, Utopia handle_ 75 

No. 229. Arterial Hook, 75 

No. 230. Aneurism Needle, large, ebony. 75 










































































































































































































































































































The Embalmees’ Supply Co., Westpoet, Conn. 


63 



No. 40. 

No. 40* Artery Forceps. For seizing and holding the arteries . $0 50 



No. 41. Smaller Forceps 


No. 41. 


75 



No. 41a. Small Forceps 


No. 41a. 


75 



No. 42. Fine Cross Action Forceps. Provided with a spring for holding 
the artery automatically, after the pressure of the hand has been released. 2 00 



No. 43. Needle or Artery Holding Forceps 


1 00 












































































































































64 


The Embai.meks’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 



No. 43- Needle or Artery Holding Forceps. This is an improved form 
of forceps, whereby a firmer hold of an artery can be obtained than with the usual 
tong-like instruments. These forceps are also used at times to work the surgeon^s 
needle when sewing up the wound made for the raising of an artery where the skin 
is tenacious and the needle passes through with difficulty. The forceps are then 
used in place of the fingers, which might accidentally receive cuts by slipping over 
the sharp edges of the needle.81 00 




No. 44. Needle or Artery Holder, with Catch. The same as the preced¬ 
ing, but provided with self-locking contrivance, which, after seizing the parts, 
continues to hold it firmly, allowing the pressure of the fingers to be relaxed.81 25 































































The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 


65 



No. 45. 


No. 45* Eye Forceps. These are intended to close the eyelids where they 
have so far receded that it becomes well nigh impossible to seize them with the 
fingers and bring them into position. The interior of these forceps is smooth and 
polished, and do not leave any abrasions on the delicate textnre of the eyelids.... $1 00 



No. 46. 


No. 46, Reversible Trocar. A tube provided with a sharp rod, inserted in 
an ebony handle, and held in place with a set screw. When not in use, the sharp 
end of the rod is inserted in the handle for protection. This trocar is used to draw 
the water from the abdomen in cases of dropsy. The scoop-like terminating of the 
tube allows the liquid to be collected into any vessel held under it. 1 50 



No. 138. 


No. 138. Trocar for Pocket Case 


1 50 



No. 47. 



No. 47. Leecher. An instrument provided with many sharp needle-like 
points. When not in use the points are protected by a metallic cap nicely adjusted 
on the extremity. The leecher is of incalculable value in cases of dropsical 
swellings in the feet, legs, arms, and other parts of the body. By puncturing the 


































































































































(>(j The EMiiALMERs’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 

skin with the leecher and bandaging the parts tightly, the water contained in the 
tissues is forced out through the numerous punctures made by the leecher, and the 
formation of water sacks, so annoying a feature in general anasarca, is obviated. 

The punctures made by the slender points are so minute as to be almost 
imperceptible. $1 50 




No. 48. Surgeons’ Needles, Patent Eye. These present the novel 
feature of possessing a slit head, through which the thread is passed without 
having recourse to the tedious process of threading through the eye.each 10 



No. 49. 


No. 49* Surgeons Scissors, 4^ in. long and very sharp, to incise the arteries. 


50 



No. 231. Surgeons^ Scissors, 4 in. long 


50 









































67 


The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 



No. 49a. Arterial Scissors. Are provided with a rod-like elongation ol 
one of the branches. When the artery has been opened with the sharp point, the rod 
in the other branch is passed into the opening to make certain that the cut is of 
sufficient size to admit the arterial nozzle attached to the pump. $1 75 





No. 207. Hard Rubber Embalming Needle. Steel point, 10 and 13 
inches, each ...; • . 


$2 00 






























































68 


The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 




No. 50 . Utopia Chin Supporter. Formed of two prongs, which surround the head and 

neck in such a fashion as to be concealed. The ends of the prongs are held by their own elasticity 

on the top and back of the head, while the opposite extremities meet under the chin, and insure 

the perfect closing of the mouth. .. cents 

(No. 50, Patented.) 



No. 235 . The E. S. Co. Chin Supporter. This supporter is constructed with a right and 
left screw, and by holding the ends stationary and turning the tube, in which the screws revolve, 
it will extend to the required size. Price.. 





































The Embalmeks’ Supply Oo., Westport, Conn. 


() 1 ) 


No. 51. 




No. 51. 


No. 51. Gem Chin Supporters. A branch screw, working inside of a 
tube provided with a disk at both extremities. One end is placed in the hollow 
of the throat at its base, and by gradually turning the branch screw, the upper 
disk is by degrees brought in contact with the chin until the mouth has been 
closed. Set of two. $0 75 



No, 52. 


No. 52. Genoung’s Chin Supporter. Made of metal, the inner slide 
provided with notches, caught by a spring, which hold it in position when the 

proper length has been obtained. Each, 20 cents. Per dozen. 2 00 

(Patented June 4, 1878.) 































































70 


The Embalmers’ Supply Co., AVestport, Conn 



No. 53. 


No. 53. Chain and Hooks A brass 
chain provided with hooks ; it may be 
passed under and around the arm or leg, 
and the hooks attached to the edges of a 
cut made to raise the artery in such a 
manner as to keep the wound open to 
facilitate the operation.10 30- 



RENOUARD’S AUTOMATIC 
STRETCHERS. 



No. 236 . 





No. 237 . 


These stretchers are to be used for 
the same purpose as the ordinary 
chain and hooks, only they are much 
simpler in construction and easier to- 
handle. Both are made of the best 
steel wire and will out-last several 
sets of the common chain and hooks 
now in use. They are heavily nickel- 
plated, and the same superior grade 
of workmanship characterizes their 
make-un as is maintained in all 
goods of our manufacturer. 


No. 236, The Renouard Automatic Stretchei, with spiral spring. $0 50 

No. 237. one pair. 50 































71 


The Embalmers’ Supply Oo., Westport, Conn. 



No. 54 . Nasal Tube. A tube whose curvature is 
adapted to the configuration of the nasal fossae, and serves to 
introduce fluid either in the aesophagus or the trachea ; it can 
be used with equal success in the mouth. Two sizes are made, 
one for adult and another more slender and somewhat different 
incurve for children. Each.$1 00 





No. 56. 


No. 56. Arm Rest. Is composed of the arm rest 
proper or sliding rod, which allows the rest to be removed at 
will under almost any part of the arm, near to or far from the 
subject; this rod is in turn supported by a vertical stem, which 
allows the rest to be lowered or raised as desired, and also 
turning right and left. The whole is secured by a system 
of set screws, which hold the different parts in the position 
chosen. The arm rest is fastened to the cooling board by a 
screw clamp, which can be attached to any point of the board, 


2 00 













































72 


The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 



No. 57. 


No. 57. Pump Holder for Atmospheric Pump. A set screw clamp 
holding the pump, can be fastened at any convenient part of the cooling board, 
thus leaving the operator the freedom of his hands and fixing the pump steadily 
in the proper place .... . |1 50 



No. 58. 

No. 58 . Cut-off. A snap spring through which the supply tube passes. 

The cut-ofi when closed suddenly and effectually, stops the fiow of the fiuid. 25 



No. 59. 


No. 59 * Artery Binders. A short copper wire, provided with a brass knob 
at each extremity. They are an elegant substitute for thread in ligating the 
arteries...per dozen, 25 



No. 60. 

No. 60. Cleats or Mouth Closers. Made of steel wire, sharp at both 
ends, which are introduced in the upper and lower gums to keep the mouth closed. 
Per dozen, three assorted sizes. 


50 














































































The Embalmers’ Supply Go., Westport, Conn. 73 



No. 61a. 


No. 6ia. Draining Tube. A tube containing a blunt tapering rod. The 
rod, owing to its shape, facilitates the introduction of the tube into the femoral 
artery, after which the rod is withdrawn and the tube remains in the artery. It is 
used when it is intended to wash the arteries or to pump the blood out of the veins $1 00 



No. 114d. 


No. Ii4d. Tube Holder. A short metallic tube, provided with a hook. The 
delivery tube of the pump passes through, and when the hook is attached, the 
holder keeps the arterial nozzle in a straight line with the artery, into which it is 

introduced... 20 

BOTTLE HOLDERS. 



This unique contrivance is made of heavy spring brass, nickel-plated, ana can be 
attached to any cooling board, by simply boring a hole in the board large enough to admit 

the stem ; or they will fit into the sliding rod of our Arm Rest (see page 71 ), and can 

be fastened therein by the thumb screw, at the end of the rod. 

No. 238 . Bottle Holder, for 2 quart square bottle. 75 cents 

No. 239 . '' 1 '' oblong . 75 

No. 240 . '' 1 '' square 


(< 


75 


(< 


a 
















































74 


The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conx. 


No. 241. The Antiseptic Pillow is an improved device on which the 
head of a body rests while lying on the cooling board, and does away with the 
cruel-appearing small irons now used as head-rests. The head can be placed in 
any desirable position, and by placing a white cloth over the Pillow it gives the 
appearance as though the head was resting upon an ordinary cushion. It can be 
easily attached to any board and is far superior to the dangerous rubber pillows 
now in use. Price. $2 50 



(Patented May 17, 1893.) 

Figure 1 shows the Pillow open ready for use. Ais a screw, which, when 
turned, will either raise or lower the wires. B is the rod on which the screw revolves. 

C ^Ms a plate which fastens the Pillow under the board by means of a thumb-screw. 
Figure 2 shows the Pillow folded so as to fit inside of the board. Figure 3 shows the 
Pillow when in use. 




(Patent Applied for.) 

No. 242. Antiseptic Arm Supporter, two sizes, each 


$1 00 












































The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 




No. 243. Headrest, large. $2 50 

No. 244. small. 2 00 

No. 245. Arm support.... 1 00 

No. 246. Foot support. 90 



Every undertaker has experienced at various times the annoyance of the shirt sleeves 
slipping back while putting the outer garment on a dead person. The Sleeve-holder is a 
simple device by which the desired object is attained. The ring is passed round one of 
the fingers of the body, while the set spring grasps the sleeve firmly. The coat can then 
be slipped on in the usual manner, and the shirt sleeve held in position. Afterwards the 
spring is released and the sleeve-holder is taken out. 
































76 


The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 



No. 247. 


No. 247. Metal Atomizer. This Atomizer is not attacked and 
softened and rendered useless by the action of the liquids, and is 
without doubt the best Atomizer on the market. We guarantee them in 
every respect. Price, with white bulb. $0 65 


No. 248. Reversible Antiseptic Pocket Trocar (metal), $ 1 . 50 . 

This Trocar is used for the same purpose as No. 46 , which is described 
on page 65 . A is the puncturing rod ; B is the tube, which re¬ 
mains in the body and through which the liquids flow after the rod has 
been withdrawn. 0 is the thread which fastens and holds rod A ’’ 
when reversed and inserted in the hollow handle ‘‘ D."” 




















































INSTRUAENTS. 























78 


The Embalmees’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 


9 


No. 64. BULB SYRINGE. 

1 

No. 64. The Bulb Syringe is too well known to be the subject of an 
exhaustive description. It is the oldest and simplest device for forcing fluid into 
the body, but imperfect in its action, as the valves become easily clogged, and also 
because when in a crippled condition it may admit air in place of fluid in the body. $1 00 

No. 249. Large Bulb Syringe. This syringe resembles the ordinary 
syringe of the same pattern, but the bulb is larger; of stronger material, with 
tubing of extra size. - Its great advantage consists in the size of the bulbs, which, 
containing more fluid, renders the work of the operator easier, in that the motion 
of the hand, in compressing the bulb, is necessarily slower, and the bulb being of 
stronger make, its expansion, in refilling itself, is more rapid. 12 00 




No. 140. THE HYPODERMIC BULB OR INJECTOR. 


No. 140. The Hypodermic Bulb or Injector is provided with a cut-off, which 
permits of its being carried filled with the hypodermic solution at all times without danger 
of the contents escaping. It contains enough of the solution to be found sufiicient 
in the majority of cases; and can be used at a moment’s notice, by adjusting the 
hypodermic needle in the elongated tube, and releasing the cut-off. The hypodermic 
solution being non-corrosive, does not attack the injector or destroy its elasticity. 

Price.. cents. 
































































































' The Embalmeks’ Supply: Co., Westport, Conn. 


79 


No. 65. Continuous Flow Syringe (Omega). ^2 00 

' See description No. 10, page 44. 



No. 250. Continuous Flow Syringe (Alpha). $1 50 


No. 251. Continuous Spray Atomizer Bulbs (no atomizer) 


S2 00 




No. 252. Flexible Tube and Hose Connecting Link. 80 15 

t 

This is an excellent device for connecting lirml}’, and without risk of leakage, the 
Flexible Tubes, Avith the rubber hose of the Atmospheric Pump. As the Flexible Tubes 
have become so extensively employed for eliminating the blood from the body, it was 
deemed imperative to procure a coupling faultless in all* respects. The Connecting Link 
will be found to meet alLrequirements. 





























80 


The Embalmers’ Supply Go., Westport, Conn. 



No. 253 . Carpet Protector, with rope edge.. $4 50 

No. 70a. Silk Wrapped Flexible Tubes. —These tubes are intended 
for insertion into either the basilic or femoral vein when it is necessary to 2 '>ump 
blood out of the body. They are of French make, and possess advantages not 
found in those of English manufacture. They are more flexible and substantial 
than any, and their power of resistance to the action of cold,'or the corrosive 
nature of embalming fluids, is unsurpassed, hence their durability is almost 
unlimited. They are provided with an attachment by which they are firmly held 
in the rubber hose, which is connected with an empty bottle, and into this the 
blood withdrawn from the body is received. Each. II 35 


This mode of creating a vacuum in a bottle by means of the Atmospheric Pump, in 
order to withdraw the blood from the heart, by means of the A^ena Cava, is that adopted’ 
by the United States College of Embalming, and recommends itself by its simjflicity, 
effectiveness and the certainty of its success. 



(See next page for method of using above.) 































The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conk 


<S1 


niBtliDii of WltMrawing Blood wltn a Flaxifila SiK Tufia. 


The flexible silk catheter (A), is introduced into the left basilic vein, the vein 
accompanying the brachial artery, passed upward through the axillary and subclavian 
veins and downward through the left innominate and superior vena cava veins into the 
right auricle of the heart. The aspirator is attached to the catheter at figure 1, and 
during the operation the catheter is worked slowly back and forth in order to bring the 
opening in its end at the junction of the right innominate (G), the left internal jugular 


A Flexible Silk Ca¬ 
theter. B. Brachial Vein. 
C. Axillary Vein. D. Sub¬ 
clavian Vein. E. Left In¬ 
ternal Jugular Vein. F. 
Left Innominate Vein. G. 
Right Innominate Vein. 
H. Right Internal Jugular 
Vein. I. Superior Vena 
Cava Vein. J. luferior 
Vena Cava Vein. K. Right 
Auricle. L. Right Ven¬ 
tricle. M. Left Ventricle. 
N. Left Auricle. O. Aorta. 
P. Pulmonary Artery. 


(E), and other smaller veins. The desirable features of this method are that the blood is 
withdrawn directly from the head and neck, and that the centre of the venous system, 
the right auricle of the heart, is reached without any mutilation of the heart whatever. 

After the catheter is withdrawn and the basilic vein securely tied above and below 
the incision, the venous circulation is left practically intact on account of the frequent 
anastomoses of the veins both above and below that point. The neatness of the opera¬ 
tion is another point in its favor. With a little practice it can be performed without losing 
even a drop of blood. To accomplish this result it is necessary to raise the vein w^ell up 
on the tip of the finger, make a quarter inch cut lengthwise of the vein with the point of 
the scissors or bistouri, directly over the tip of the finger ; the pressure of the finger will 
hold the blood back until the catheter can be introduced. The object of operating on the 
left arm will be readily seen by examining the illustration. From the venous course 
from the left basilic vein to the right auricle of the heart is a gradual curve, while if the 
right basilic was used two acute angles would be encountered, one at the juncture of the 
right innominate, the right internal jugular and the right subclavian (see figure 3), and 
one at the juncture of the superior vena cava, the right innominate and left innominate 
(see figure 2). If the catheter becomes clogged, remove the same and force fluid through 
it to remove the obstruction. 



a 






















82 


The Embalmeks’ Supply Co., Westport, Oonx. 



No. 67. ARTERIAL NOZZLE. 


No. 67. Arterial Nozzle, three sizes.each $0 25 

No. 68. Nasal Tube, large and small ... .each 75 





No. 69. 

No. 69. Open and Closed End Thimble, each 25 

No. 70. English Catheter. 15 

No. 70A. Flexible (Silk) Draining Tube... 1 35 



No. 71. 


No. 71. Thimbles, soft rubber 


05 


No. 70. FLEXIBLE CATHETER. 


No. 68. NASAL TUBE. 

















































































83 


The Embalmeks’ Supply Co., Westport, Coxx. 



No. 72. 

No. 72. Cut-off . ^0 25 

No. 72a. Goose Neck for Atmospheric Pump .. 75 

No. 254. Air Cut-off, hard rubber. 75 

No. 255. Arterial Nozzle, thimble connection, four sizes, each. 25 

No. 256. Goose Neck for Atmospheric Pump, Aluminum. 2 00 



No. 254. No. 255. 


No. 257. Inflating Bulb for Dolge Injector . $2 50 

No. 258. Hand Bulb for Dolge Injector . .. 75 

The thimbles are intended to close the arterial nozzle and prevent the fluid from 
escaj^ing out of the arteries, when the first injection is not deemed sufficient and a second 
injection is required after a certain lapse of time. The catheter is also used at times, 
when it is necessary to empty the bladder or to inject the throat. 

The Air Cut-Off, Inflating Bulb and Hand Bulb are used in connection with the 
Dolge Injector. See page 46. 






















































































84 


The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 




No. 259. Suction Leecher 


$2 25- 


(Patent applied for.) 

The Suction Leecher is so constructed that its utility may be considered as two¬ 
fold. The instruments are used to puncture the skin in dropsy, wherever the accumula¬ 
tion of water is most noticeable, to allow the escape of the liquid contained in the tissues. 
This was the utmost that could be accomplished with the leecher formerly in use, but in 
this instance and with the suction leecher a far more complete elimination of the liquid 
is obtained. After the skin has been punctured the flow of water is immediately assisted 
and the water exhausted by the aspirator connected with the stem (b) of the instrument. 
Discoloration is also removed instantly from the ears by puncturing the under side of 
the lobe, thus concealing all marks and the blood removed by the same process. 


A WORD TO THE CARELESS. 

Cleanliness is next to godliness is an old adage, but, nevertheless, a true one, and 
its signiflcation should be carried out by no one more than the funeral director, who 
comes daily in contact with every conceivable form of diseased bodies and polluted 
surroundings. The embalming instruments and other paraphernalia should be kept just 
as clean as possible, and care taken to see that none, after they have been used, are laid 
in a position liable to leave traces of putrid or infected matter behind them. In extreme 
cases, instruments employed should be thoroughly rinsed in hot water and carefully dried 
before leaving the house of infection. The adoption of this method is a safeguard not 
only to the embalmer himself, but it also would prevent serious results to members of his 
family, should they in some manner come in contact with them. 

The undertakers should strive to elevate their profession on a level with the medical 
fraternity, and nothing will tend more to do this than to keep their implements in a pre¬ 
sentable condition. A good mechanic is known by his tools,and a good embalmer 
should be judged likewise. 

How to take care of instruments is told on page 32 of this Catalogue. 























































































80 


The Embalmeks’ Supply Co., Westport, Ooxx. 


Rubber Sheeting. 


The white rubber sheeting is intended to preserve the cooling board when embalming 
and washing a body. It is laid on the cooling board before the body is placed on it, so that 
water or other liquids may not stain the board. It is withdrawn when the operation is 
completed. The black rubber sheeting is spread under the cooling board to prevent 
soiling the floor of the room while the process of laying out, washing and embalming the 
body is being carried on. 


No. 73. Rubber Sheeting, 54 inches wide.per yard, $1 25 

No. 74. Rubber Tubing of an inch thick) .per foot, 12^ 

No. 75. Gloves. 1 50 

No. 76. Gauntlets . 2 00 

No. 77. Surgeons’ Gauntlets (pure rubber). 2 75 

No. 78. Rubber Stoppers, plain.each, 5 

No. 79. Rubber Stoppers, patent. 20 

No. 80. Rubber Finger Cots .each, 10 

No. 81. Rubber Bib (or Dam). 1 50 


No 75 - The Gloves and Gauntlets are for the protection of the hands when, 
holding an autopsy or when handling the remains of a person who may have died from 
the effect of some venereal disease. 























































































































































TiFB Embaljieks’ Suppia' Co., Wbstpoiit, Conn. 87 

No. 79. The Patent Stopper is so contrived that by means of a screw the rubber 
band is expanded, and the stopper is made to fit tightly in the neck of the bottle, so that 
bottles may be safely carried horizontally without danger of their contents escaping. 



No. 80. 


No. 80. The Fing’er Oots 8;rG intGnded. to protoct tho fingors whore an abrasiou of 
the skin or cut might expose the operation to the dangers of blood poisoning. 



No. 81. 

No. 81. The Bib or Dam is a rubber sack provided with strap and buckle to 
fasten on any part of the body where an artery is being injected. All liquids or blood 
escaping from the wound are collected into it, thus obviating the risk of soiling 
surrounding objects. 




























88 


The Embalmers’ Supply Oo., Westport, Goxn. 


Eye Caps. 



No. 86. 


No. 86. Eye Caps. They are thin wax shells, covered with muslin. They are 
concave on one side and convex on the other. They are intended to preserve the natural 
rotundity of the eye by keeping the lids in their place, after the globe of the eye has 
become flaccid and sunken in the orbit. 

To use them introduce one-half of the cap under the lower eyelid, and afterwards 
the lid up over the cap, then j)ass the cap under tlie upper eyelid; bring it down 
over the cap, so as to cover the lower lid partly if possible. 

These caps will be found most useful at all times, but especially when it is intended 
\,to ship the remains to some distant point. The eye caps can easily be trimmed down to 
tit the size of the eye in children. Per dozen. 75 


SURGEONS^ SILK. 



No. 87. WHITE. No. 87. BLUE. 


No. 87. Surgeons’ Silk, white and blue.per spool, $0 15 

No. 88. Force Pump Holder (cast iron Japanned). 25 

No. 234. Surgeons’ Strong Linen Thread, 200 yard spool. 25 































TiiK Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 


89 


No. 66. Embalming Needle, hard rubber. $0 25 

No. 260. Finger Cots, 5 sizes, pure gum rubber, each. 10 

No. 92. The Patent Razor Brace is a bolder intended to clasp the blade 

of a common razor firmly. Price. 35 

No. 93. Cabinet Covers (canvas). 1 00 

No. 94. Wade & Butcher Razor. 1 00 

No. 95. Razor Strop. 2o 

No. 96. Shaving Brush.. 15 

No. 97. Hair Brush . 35 

No. 98. Shaving Cup. ••• 15 

No. 99. Comb. • — 19 



No. 165. Lintine.— This article is an excellent substitute for Absorbent 
Cotton in all cases where that substance is needed. Being in separated sheets, 
Lintine is not subject to waste, as Absorbent Cotton ; its folds are easily detached, 
are of the proper thickness, and more easily handled than the cotton. Lintine is 
indispensable to absorb the water from the limbs, aftei punctuiing with the 
leecher and before compressing with bandages. Lintine also possesses a precious 
advantage over Absorbent Cotton, and this will be readily appreciated by all 
undertakers. The sheets of Lintine can be easily cut in a neat manner of the 
required size and shape ; also being glazed on both sides and of an even thickness, 
it will, when applied on the face, and saturated with the Face Wash (No. 139), 
be found to accomn-iodate itself by a slight pressure of the fingers, to the form of 
the features, so that every part, hollow or prominent, will come equally in contact 
with the fluid, and after removal will leave the face of a uniform color. Lintine 
is also cleaner in its employ than Absorbent Cotton, as it is not as liable to attach 
itself, either to the clothing or the hands. Price, one pound packages. 

W^e are sole agents for Lintine.^^ 


75 



































90 


The Embalmeks’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 


Absorbent Cotton. 


It is used chiefly to All up the wound where an artery has been raised, peihaps in a 
careless manner, and absorb the temjoorary leakage of some smaller branch after the 
operation is finished, and before sewing up the skin. It is also used in cases of dropsy 
under the bandages which surround the legs, to absorb the water escaping out through 
the punctures made by the leecher. It may also be successfully used in padding the 
sunken cheeks of persons whose remains, after a sickness of long duration, present an 
unnatural appearance. For a cover of the face it is far superior to cloth on account of 
its lightness. 

No. 105. Absorbent Cotton .Half pound, 40c., One pound, $0 75 

No. 106. Wooden Faucet, with metal key, leather lined, is, and remains 
tight fitting, thereby preventing leakage. 40 


No. 1140. 
No. ii4f. 
No. ii4g. 
No. 253. 
No. 275. 
and deodorizer. 


Sponge Bags, rubber, 4 sizes.50c, 35c, 30c, 

Sleeve-holders, per pair. 

Carpet Protectors, black rubber, 54x108 . 

Carpet Protector, black rubber, rope edge.. 

Undertakers’ Soap, a purely vegetable antiseptic, germicide 
Per box, containing 6 cakes.. 


25 

25 

3 00 

4 50 

1 50 


When ordering any article from this Catalogue please state the number as well as 
name ; this will prevent any possible misunderstanding as to exact article desired. 


We are thoroughly equipped to make instruments of any special design and 
guarantee perfect satisfaction as to workmanship and quality of material used. Nickel- 
plating and repairing executed in best manner at a moderate cost. 


If you do not find what you desire in this Catalogue, write us full particulars and we 
will endeavor to supply your wishes. 















The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 


91 


Bandages. 


No. 169. Linen Finish Bandage. Price, per dozen rolls. $1 00 

No. 170. English Open Bandage. Price, per dozen rolls....,. 1 00 


The Linen Finish Bandage, 3 inches wide, and the English Open Bandage, of 
the same width, are used for fixing and tightening the Lintine round the limbs, 
in dropsy, or on other parts of the body, where the leecher has been employed 
to allow a free escape of dropsical liquid, or of serous fluids. 

No. 171. Bi-Chloride of Mercury Gauze —3 inches wide, is a powerfully 
antiseptic dressing, used in bandaging cancerous, festering and gangrenous sores, 
ulcers, etc. 


AAHHER OF USING. 

Bandage the affected part with two or three layers of the Bi-Chloride 
Gauze; place a sheet of Lintine over it, and hold in position with a 
dressing of the English Open Bandage. Price, per dozen rolls . $l 50 

No. 172. Plaster of Paris Bandage— 3 inches wide, is an elegant sub¬ 
stitute for the plaster itself in cases where its use is required : to hold broken 
limbs in their proper position. 


AAHHER OF USING. 

Saturate about one foot of the bandage in water and apply to me 
limb, about six inches above the fracture, then bandage tightly downwards, 
allowing each layer to overlap the preceding one, an inch and a half, con¬ 
tinuing in this way until a point six inches below the fracture has been 
reached ; moisten the dressing with a sponge and allow it to dry. This 
operation may be repeated until the proper stiffness has been attained. 

Price, per dozen rolls. 











92 


The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Coxn. 


Utopia Graduated Bottles. 



They are made of thick glass, capable of resisting a very strong pressure. They are 
provided on one side with a graduated scale, allowing the operator to form a correct 
estimate of the amount of fluid injected in the different parts of the body. 

No. lOl. One-quart Bottle, Graduated, extra heavy, without stopper.$0 30 

No. 103. One-half gallon Bottle, Graduated, extra heavy, without stopper... 45 

No. 104. Sponge 


10 


































































































































































































































































































































































































































The Embalmeks’ Supply Co., Westport, Cona\ 


93 


Soap Sheets. 


No. 114. Far superior to any kind of soap, for washing the hands after embalming 
a body ; the sheets are either carbolated or highly perfumed. They are put up in the 
shape of a small book, which can be carried conveniently in the professional or in the 
cabinet. The sheets are easily detached from the book when needed for use. 



|l 50 


Price, per dozen. 
per book. 


15 






































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































The Embalmeks’ Supply Co., Westport, Coxn 


04 


Adhesive Plaster. 


No. 114a. A strongly adhesive plaster used by many for closing the wound made 
by the raising of an artery. It is also successfully applied in the same instance for con¬ 
cealing the sewing of the wound. To apply it, cut the plaster of the desired length and 
size, warm it gently by a stove or a gas jet and apply it with firm pressure upon the part. 

10 yard roll, 2 inches wide.75 cents. 



No. 114a, 


ADHESIVE PLASTER 











































































































The Embalmeks’ Supply Go., Westport, Oonx. 


95 


ATLAS 


OF HUMAN BODY. 


WitH Explanatory Key op lr\side Cover. 

(No. 82 .) 

Gornposed of TVlo^cible plates, 

So Arranged as to Show Successively the Different Organs of the 
Body, Their Position, and Connections with one another. 

F=dR KCCUR7ACV OF= DESIGN 

AND Faithfulness of the Presentation of the Various Parts, 


'i’be Atlas is Equal to any inatoiuical Work Publisbed 


AND Should be in the Hands of All Funeral Directors and Embalmers. 

PRICE, .... $3.50. 


National Text J3ook;. 

A COMPENDIUM OF VALUABLE INFORMATION FOR EMBALMEKS. TlIIS WORK CONTAINS 
MANY ESSAYS AND SELECTIONS FROM THE UNDERTAKERS’ MANUAL, 
WRITTEN BV A. ReNOUARD, NOW THE DEMONSTRATOR IN THE 

United States College of Embalming ; and has 

NO EQUAL AS A BOOK OF REFERENCE. 


PRICE, 


$o.OO 
















9G 


The Emhalmeks’ Supply Co , Westport, Conn. 



ONCE USED. YOU WILL NEVER BE WITHOUT IT. 


'5'i^ 'S'i^ *7*^^*^ 


No. 84. 

Highest Hedal Awarded at tie Americai Institute Fair, New York, 1884-5. 

A Great Invention, whicti Renders Shaving an Easy and Convenient 
Luxury, and Obviates all Danger of Ontting the Face. 

WARRANTED TO SHAVE CLEAN. TIME AND MONEY SAVED. 

DELAYS IN BARBER SHOPS AVOIDED. 

It is specially adapted to the aged and the young ; and is indispensable to travelers 
by land and by sea ; to miners and persons camping out ; to the indolent and luxurious ; 
to the man who wants a quick shave, and him whose skin is too tender to admit of the 
application of the ordinary razor. 



























































The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Coxx. 


97 



DIRKCTIONS. 


To protect it from accident and rust, the Star Safety Razor should be handled 
with the same care as any other razor. To secure an easy shave, lather the face well; 
apply the Safety Razor at the same angle as the old style of razor, and draw it across the 
face with a firm stroke. The Star Safety Razor shaves as close as may be desired, and 
gives a pleasant sensation. After shaving, cleanse the frame and blade, which may 
readily be done by shaking in water or holding under running water; then remove 
blade from frame and wipe them both thoroughly dry ; take the blade, insert it in the 
holder provided for the purpose, and strop as usual ; return the blade to the frame, 
keeping the Star side up, and the instrument is ready for use. 


No 84. Patent Star (or Safety Razor).$2 00 

No 85. Blade. 1 00 

No 90. Razor Stropping Machine. 2 50 

No 91. Strop.. 50 


I have used the Star Razor since 1880 and have found it a great comfort in my 
travels in Europe, as less care is needed in shaving. It takes half the time than with an 
old style razor. I have one in continuous use for 5 years, and it is perfect yet. A 
stropping machine should be used when sharpening the blade. 

0. B. DOLGE, 

Westport, Conx. 













98 


The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Coxx. 


star Safety Razor Stropping Machin 


P 

<J I 



Read the following explanation, also see annexed cut, which, we beiieve, wiii show 
better than words the wonders of this astonishing machine: 


The blade is placed into the central blade holder between the two friction rollers, and 
the device placed upon the strop in such a manner that the blade and rollers rest on said 
strop, keeping the side marked up, as shown on the device. 

The machine is moved forward and back over the strop, and every time it is reversed 
the blade is automatically turned on its back and a fresh face or side presented to the strop. 

It is absolutely impossible to turn one of our razor blades held in the above device 
on its edge, and thus the blade cannot be dulled, damaged or injured. 

No machine or device yet made outside this one forcibly brings the blade in contact 
with the strop and holds it at the proper angle. The strokes may be short or long, and 
may be made as rapidly or slowly as may be desired. 

The blade is stropped perfectly and provided with a sharp edge in a marvelously 
short time. The machine to work properly and lightly should be oiled occasionally. 

We would recommend our flexible linen canvas strop, which will work like a charm 
with this machine. These strops if rubbed slightly with soap of any kind to produce the 
necessary friction, will keep our blades in magniflcent keen cutting order. 

No. 90. Patent Star Razor Stropping Machine. Price. $2 50 


THE STAR SAFETY RAZOR SWING STROP. 



No. 91. 


They are especially prepared, highly polished, made of the best Arbroath Linen 
Duck, are much finer and even better than Russia Leather, and being more flexible, 
touch every part of the edge equally, giving it a keen, smooth and lasting finish. 


























































































































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> » 




































100 


The Embalmers’ Supply Co., Westport, Coxn. 




Patented May 12 , 1891. 


The Cooling Board as shown in above illustration is constructed on the same 
principle as an extension table with adjustable leaves, which do not increase the 
weight of the board, and which can be folded inside the board when not in use. 
The canopy is so arranged as to be accommodated to any length of the board. 


The Universal Extension Board must obviously prove an economical one, 
as its adoption to any desired size does away with the necessity of carrying 
several of different lengths. 

No 115. The Universal Extension Board, Perforated or Cane 

Bottom, with White Canopy. ^22 00 

Can be extended from 3 feet 9 inches to 4 feet 4 inches, 5 feet, 

5 feet 7 inches, and 6 feet 3 inches. The canopy fits each length. 


No. 115a. Black canopy with silk fringe. . ... 6 50 

No. Il 5 b. Canvas cover for Universal board. 2 50 

No. 115c. White muslin canopy. 2 50 

No. Il5d. Canvas cover, with leather binding. 5 00 














































The Embalmees’ Supply Co., Westport, Conn. 101 


Lj 






No. 116 . GLEASON COOLING BOARD. 

Comment is unnecessary on this board. It is one of the oldest boards on the market 


and gives good satisfaction. 

i 

No. Il6. Length, 6 feet 3 inches, width, 1 foot 7 inches.123 00 

No. I17. Cj 1 7 '. 22 00 

No. I18. 5 9 1 7 21 00 

No. I19. 5 6 1 5 20 00 

No. 120. 4 4 1 4 18 00 

Includmg White Seamless Muslin Canopy. 

No. 121. Black Cashmere Canopy, with silk fringe, 2^ inches deep. 5 00 

No. 122 . Same, with silk fringe, fine goods. 8 00. 

No. 123. White Canopy. ^ 

























































































102 


The Embalmers’ Supply Co., AVestport^ Ooxx. 


Apex Emtelming Table. 


No. 129. '^Apex ** Embalming Table, with AVhite Muslin Canopy, 6 feet 

2 inches.125 Oh 

No. 130. “Apex” Embalming Table, with Black Cashmere Canopy, 6 feet 

2 inches... 30 00 

No. 131. “Apex” Embalming Table, with White Muslin Canopy, 4 feet 

6 inches... 18 00 

No. 132. ‘^Apex” Arm Rest and Operating Shelf . 2 50 

No. 133. ^‘Apex” Canvas Cover with Leather Straps and Handle. 2 50 



OPEN, (WITHOUT CANOPY.) 


PART OPEN. 



HEARSE HORSE NETS. 


No. A. Black—Finest grade wool, braided cord.per pair $20 00 

AW. AVhite—Finest grade wool, braided cord. per pair 22 00 

AB. Black—All wool, braided cord, mesh net.per pair 14 75 

B. Black—All wool, twisted cord..per pair 10 50 

C. White—AVhite cotton, braided cord.per pair 10 50 

All nets are complete with head pieces. 


The A”, “AW” and “C” nets have the head pieces separate. 























































103 


The Embalmers’ Supply Co, Westport, Oonx. 


Excelsior Emlcaliiiinff Board. 



CHILD’S EXTENSION BOARD AND PEDESTAL COMBINED. 

As an embalming board this one excels all others, the advantage being tlie extension 
feature, as well as the fact of the combination j^edestal; measures, when closed, three 
feet, and opens to four feet. When not in use this board occupies a space only three feet 
long, fifteen inches wide and two and a half inches deep, all packed in a nicely con¬ 
structed canvas cover, with straps. Weight, 17 pounds. 


Price, including canopy.^15 00 

Price, including canopy and pedestal drapery. 20 00 

Price, including canopy and cloth drapery. 45 00 












































































































































































104 


The Embalmers’ Supply Go., \Ye8tport, Conn. 



TERAS. 


The price of tuition for the course will be Twenty-five ($25.00) Dollars payable 
in advance, with the privilege of free admission to all consecutive lectures for the 
first year. 

A further fee of Five ($5.00) Dollars will be collected on delivery of the diploma. 

All former pupils of the College will be entitled to a seat at all future courses of 
instructions on payment of Five ($5.00) Dollars per year, after the first year. 

The College will be abundantly supplied with books, charts, and subjects, in 
order to afford the students all possible facilities in the study of the process. 


A. RENOUARD, 

Demonstrator. 

Address all communications to 

C. B. DOLOE. 


P. S.—For further information see Epitome,^’ pago lxxiii. 































THE EMBALMERS’ EPITOME, 


A TREATISE ON 

EABALAING COAPOUNDS, 


CONTAINING A 

Summary of Ancient and Modern Embalming, 

By A. REHOUARD, 

Demonstrator, United States College of Embalming. 

ALSO, 

Practical iri5trUctior\s to test accurately thie effective streugtti of 
\\\e standard erribalrning fluids and rnixtures no^^ iu dse. 

A CO MPENDIMl DF MOST nLOillLE INFDUMATION FOK EMBALMERS 

By A. O HUHCKE, 

Chemist of Embalmers’ Supply Company, 

DEDICATED TO 

Thk Embalmers oe America, 

AND PUBLISHED BY 

THE EABALAERS’ SUPPLY COAPAHY, 

Successors to DOLGE & HUNCKE, 

Westport, Conn- 


1893 . 





























COPYRIGHT, 1593, 
BY 


THE E/ABAL/^ERS’ SUPPLY CO. 








(u IflTl^ODUCTIOfl. 

^— - - ' - - 



T he principal object which induced the Einbalmers^ Supply Company to place this 
compendium in the hands of the Embalrner is to teach him how to proceed to test 
an article of such high an importance as the Embalming Fluid is. Besides, 
and wliich is also of great interest to the intelligent Embalrner, this pamphlet gives 
the results and effects of the different chemicals mostly employed in preserving bodies. 
The history and progress made in the modern art of body preservation will undoubt¬ 
edly be welcomed by all. 

The many fluids, gases and powders, and the numerous formulae for compounding 
a fluid are bewildering to the Embalaier, particularly to the beginner. Accident has 
more to do with what he will use than careful thought or study. He bu 3 ’s a fluid, 
but how is he to know that the fluid is the article he should use to obtain the best 
results ? 

It cannot be expected that every Embalrner should possess a knowledge of chem¬ 
istry, but without it he is in the dark. He may have done embalming for one or more 
years and may have been successful; then comes a time, generally in July, August 
or September, when failure may follow failure. 

In his ignorance about the contents of the fluid he has used he naturally will say 
it must be the fault of the fluid which caused this, as he claims he took the same pains 
in the case he has lost, or even more so, than when he w^as successful. It is then that 
the knowledge of testing a fluid is of incalculable value to the Embalrner, as it will 
prove to him that perhaps the fault was his, and he ivill then study and investigate the 
real cause of the failure, and not dismiss the case so easily as has been often done by 
saying the fluid is w^orthless. When he received the fluid he tested it, found it correct, 
und he knoivs the fault must be found either in his lack of knowledge or in his care¬ 
lessness. It is to be hoped that this little book may also be instrumental in driving 
out of the market the many valueless compounds posing as the '"best in the world, 
and give those firms wdio are reliable and possess the knowledge necessary to compound 
a good, uniform Embalming Fluid, the patronage they deserve. This epitome will 
also w^arn the thoughtful reader who compounds a fluid himself of the dangers wdiich 
<;onfront him, and the unreliability of the chemicals he buys, without possessing the 
knowledge of testing the same, to see if they are of the required strength and purity. 
In giving the tests for fluids, and to have the same as plain as they possibly can be 
made, it limits the authors to those parts of the fluids only which constitute the prin¬ 
cipal preserving agent, as the preservation of the body is surely the main object an 
Embalrner wishes to obtain. 

It would lead too far, and a perfect knowledge of chemistry would be necessary. 






IV 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


to enable one to make a full analysis of fluids, as many of them are compounded from 
several kinds of chemicals which requires the skill and erudition of a trained 'chemist 
to compound correctly. 

Astonishing indeed is the ignorance shown even by some anatomists, surgeons and 
physicians in regard to body preservation, and the light manner with which many treat 
this difficult process, and the numerous perplexing cases which present themselves to- 
the Embalmer (all of which they do not seem to have any knowledge of), neither do 
they have of the strength or character of the chemicals which are necessary either for 
their preserving qualities or for their virtue to give to the body the much desired lifelike 
appearance. But if we find so little knowledge in a sphere where we should look for 
information, is it, then, surprising that others, who have no similar attainments in the 
Embalmers’ art, rush in to compound a fluid. How many have been lured into the 
manufacturing of a fluid solely with the expectation of reaping great fortunes from it ? 
Every year more spring.up and others disappear. And hoio many failures must he^ 
attributed to them ? 

While some good fluids have been on the market from the time embalming began 
to draw the attention of the enterprising undertaker to that superior present mode of 
body preservation, the ever investigating and searching mind of the progressive under¬ 
taker has hoped and looked for something better. The long list of fluids, powders and 
gases which have been put upon the market and after a short existence disappeared, 
prove that they were inferior to what existed or were impracticable. This, coupled 
with the long list of so-called professors, has caused the unwary undertaker to squander 
much money, for which in return he has had failures damaging to his business 
enterprise. 

As the light is spreading more broadly, and a larger number of undertakers are^ 
becoming perfect Embalmers, the less chance will those men have who pose as teachers, 
who, in their blindness, do not perceive that very often the attempt to lead those who 
can see better than they, fails miserably, as has been shown quite often in conventions 
in the last few years. The different productions (fluids) which the Embalmers’ Supply 
Company manufactures are explained, and a few of the testimonials from the users of 
Utopia are added. The publishers of this little book hope that it may accomplish 
the good which was intended with its imblication ; that it may add a little more prac¬ 
tical knowledge to that already possessed by good Embalmers, and if so they are amply 
repaid for their never-tiring efforts to improve and advance the process of embalming.. 


C. B. DOLOB. 




! 


















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IX 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


THEORY AND PRACTICE. 


All philosophical knowledge proceeds either from observation or experiment, or 
from both. It is a matter of observation that water, by cold, is converted into ice; 
but if by means of freezing mixtures or evaporation we actually cause water to freeze, 
we arrive at the same knowledge by experiment. By repeated observations, and by 
calculations based on such observations, we discover certain uniform modes in which 
the powers of nature act. These uniform modes of operation are called laws—and 
these laws are general or particular according to the extent of the subjects which they 
respectively embrace ; and the collection, combination and proper arrangement of such 
general and particular laws constitute what is called science. 

The terms art and science have not always been employed with proper discrimi¬ 
nation. In general an art is that which depends on practice or performance, while 
science is the examination of general laws, as of abstract and speculative principles. 
Science differs from art in the same manner that knowledge differs from skill. 

The theory of embalming is science ; the practice is art. 

One of the uniform laws of nature to which we must now refer, to illustrate more 
comprehensively the subsequent delineation of the forces which act upon it, to pervert 
its natural results, is the change, or changes in the external appearance of the body, 
due to the cessation of life and the commencement of decomposition. 

We speak of bodies which have not been buried, but which have been kept in the 
ordinary way, lying on the back and loosely covered with a shroud, or dressed with the 
ordinary clothes. 

When life is extinct and before the blood coagulates, it settles in the weins of the 
more dependent parts of the body, producing, usually a few hours after death, a mott¬ 
ling of the surface with irregular, livid patches. These patches may coalesce into a 
uniform dusky, red color over the back of the trunk, head and extremities, and some¬ 
times over the face, ears and neck. 

At points of pressure, from folds in the clothes, or from the weight of the body 
on the table, the red color is absent or less marked. 

Very soon after death, particularly in warm weather, the tissues immediately 
around the subcutaneous veins of the neck and thorax and in other situations, may 
become stained of a bluish-red color from the decomposition and escape from the ves¬ 
sels of the coloring matter of the blood. If the epidermis has been detached at any 
point, the skin beneath soon becomes dry and brown. Usually, and according to cir¬ 
cumstances, the skin assumes a greenish color in the abdominal region, which gradually 
spreads, turning to a deeper hue, often changing to greenish purple or brown. Ureen- 
ish patches now may appear on the surface of the body, on different parts, but earliest 
on those overlying the cavities. This discoloration is possibly produced in the hsemo- 
globin, by the gases of decomposition. 

The eyeballs now become flaccid, and if the eyelids are not closed the cornea and 
conjunctiva become brown and dry. 

The pressure of gases developed by decomposition in the internal cavities not in¬ 
frequently forces a lesser or great quantity of frothy, reddish fluid or mucus from 











X 


The E.MP.ALMER8’ Epitome. 


the mouth and nostrils, producing distention of the abdomen, and if excessive may 
result in changes of position of the blood in the vessels, and even, sometimes, in a mod¬ 
erate amount of displacement of the internal organs. 

After five or six days under ordinary circumstances the entire surface may be dis¬ 
colored green or brown. After this the epidermis becomes loosened from the forma¬ 
tion of gases and separation of fiuids beneath, and the tissues become fiaccid. The 
abdomen and thorax are perhaps greatly distended, the features distorted and scarcely 
recognizable from swelling, and the hair and nails soon become loosened. Beyond this 
stage of decomposition the consecutive changes conducive to more or less disintegra¬ 
tion of the soft tissues can scarcely be followed with certainty. The rapidity with 
which these changes follow one another depends upon a variety of conditions, such as 
temperature, moisture, access of air, and the diseases which have preceded or caused 
death. The infectious diseases, intemperance and the puerperal condition promote 
rapid decomposition, as does also death from suffocating gases. 

Poisoning by arsenic, alcohol, antimony, sulphuric acid, strychnine and chloro¬ 
form may retard the progress of decomposition. 

The above phenomena in the body after life is extinct is the result of a uniform 
natural law, intensified in its results by a number of conditions and circumstances 
which greatly alter the rapidity of its course, but never arrest its progress. 

To stay the career of this law, to prevent even its initiatory symptoms before it 
has revealed itself, the science of preservation, founded upon observation of causes and 
effects, suggests as primary condition of its application the complete exclusion of 
atmospheric air. This simple mode of preventing decay in animal substances becomes 
an important auxiliary; but, alone, proves ineffective in preserving bodies, or at least 
the few experiments made in that direction do not seem to support the theories 
advanced by some writers on the subject. 

In 1803 Dr. Maxwell, of Edinburgh, treated a subject in the following manner : 
The body of an old man, tall and muscular but rather meagre, who had died from 
internal injuries, the result of a fall, was placed into a zinc lined box covered with a 
thick plate of glass and hermetically sealed. Communication was established by 
means of an iron pipe between an air pump and the interior of the box, and the pump 
immediately put in operation ; as the air of the box became nearly exhausted, a light 
frotli accompanied with mucus escaped out of the mouth and nose; seven minutes 
afterwards the pump almost refused to work, and the flow of mucus, now slightly 
tinged with blood, had greatly increased, but gradually ceased ; further trial of the 
pump proved the vacuum in the box to be as nearly complete as possible. After twenty 
minutes the pump was again put in motion, and a small amount of air withdrawn, 
presumably from the lung tissue and other cavities. On the following day no apparent 
change had taken place ; “'the pump being used at intervals of a few hoursto pre¬ 
serve the vacuum, although the seams and joints of the box appeared perfect. At the 
expiration of three days, “ the weather being intensely warm,^’ a slight elevation of 
the abdomen was noticeable, which, however, subsided after a few strokes of the pump, 
but which reappeared more visibly on the following morning, with a renewal of the 
escape of mucus and a faint trace of greenish discoloration on the hypogastric and 
inguinal regions of the abdomen. The veins of the neck, arms and forehead were 
greatly distended. The eyes were not sunken, but less prominent, owing to an appar¬ 
ently moderate puffing of the cheeks. 






The Embalmees’ Epitome. 


XI 


The working of the piiinp now revealed the presence of mephitic gases at the 
opening of the valve. The body was then removed from the box, and after a feAV 
hours of exposure to the air was decomposing rapidly. 

In this instance the exclusion of atmospheric air from the body, without the adop¬ 
tion of other means of preservation, did not prove sufficient to prevent the progress 
of decomposition, it only retarded its usually rapid course under ordinary circumstances. 
This is the only experimental test of which we possess an authentic record, although 
subsequent trials with hermetically sealed iron or steel caskets at a later period seem 
to substantiate to a great extent the facts elicited by the test of Dr. Maxwell. 

It is not our intention to introduce into the limited scope of this pamphlet a 
description of the various means adopted in modern times for the preservation of bodies, 
or to give a history of the process of embalming up to the present day ; but the object 
we have in view is to discuss critically the antiseptic properties of the substances used 
in the manufacture of embalming fluids, the relative and specific strength of these 
substances, and the manner in which they may affect or otherwise alter the appearance 
of the bodies into which they are introduced. For this purpose we shall consider 
retrospectively some of the modes of body preservation which for the last century have 
successively either become modifier], or have been discarded altogether for other more 
acceptable and successful means. It is worthy of remark that the science of embalming 
has always been closely united in its gradual advancement with the increase of knowl¬ 
edge gained in both chemistry and physiology, as also the art of embalming is sub¬ 
ordinate to the perfection of mechanical appliances and instruments for the proper 
accomplishment of the work. 

The difference between theory and practice, between scientific principles and the 
practical application thereof, which sometimes exhibits so flagrant a discrepancy 
between the expected result and the ultimate issue, will be exemplified in the following 
i)ages, and may be traced partly to a lack of accurate information of the actual prop¬ 
erties of the substances employed ; to the limited number of practical tests insufficient 
for continuous evidence in the same direction, or a failure to make allowance for 
surrounding hygrometric and barometric influences, and the chemical changes which 
may have taken place in the body under certain preexisting morbid conditions. 







XIT 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


ABOUT THE MANY METHODS EMPLOYED IN THE 

PRESERVATION OF BODIES. 


It is an undisputed fact that the science of preserving bodies has made rapid 
progress during the past decade ; but, to comprehend easily the subject presented to 
our readers, as well as to fully appreciate the vast amount of labor and scientific 
researches which have been lavished upon this important branch of the funeral profes¬ 
sion, it has become imperative to recapitulate the different processes that have been 
employed from the remotest epoch, and by various peoples, to the jiresent day. 

The reader will find in the following lines an exhaustive and lucid explanation of 
the successive means employed to preserve the dead, and will thus become familiar with 
the fundamental principles of an art, which is at this present time affected by the 
same laws, jwid subject to the same chemical conditions which governed its practice 
5,000 years ago. 

To treat this matter more fully, and in order to present the subject in all its his¬ 
torical bearings, we shall have recourse to such authorities as Plutarch, Herodotus, 
Diodorus, Siculus, Stace, Pliny, Cicero, Clauderus, Penicher, Rodiginus, Gryphius, 
Crolliiis, Kircher, Menestrier, Volney, Caylus, Rouyer, Chaussier, Gannal, Chevalier 
Humboldt, Harrington, Loomis, Farina, Mendala and others. 

OF EMBALMING IN GENERAL. 

As soon as the spark of life has become extinct in the animal organism, decompo¬ 
sition commences, the elementary constituents become dissociated, and by various 
chemical combinations give birth to new comj^ounds. 

The degree of temperature of the atmosphere, the amount of moisture which 
it contains, and the action of oxygen, are circumstances which necessarily influence 
decomposition. But even under similar conditions the process of decomposition does 
not attack different individuals in the same manner, nor as quickly, and these laws of 
so much importance in the embalming of bodies have unfortunately not received the 
degree of attention which they deserve. 

The ancients were fully cognizant of this fact, for Camerarius says : There 

exists a great difference between the bodies of Europeans and those of Oriental nations, 
as the latter, containing less fat and fleshy tissues, decompose also less rapidly.'’’ 

Amieus Marcellinus mentions a circumstance which would seem, to some extent, 
to support the assertion above made. He says : Four days after a battle between the 

Persians and the Romans the features of the last could hardly be recognized, while the 
Persian bodies were comparatively uninjured by decay.” 

This must also forcibly remind us that the climate of Egypt greatly facilitated the 
preservation of the dead ; and that however much we may admire the skill and science 
displayed by the Egyptians in their system of preservation, we must also remember 
that the dry Egyptian climate, and the nitrous nature of the soil, especially in those 
countries remote from the Nile, have a tendency to preserve bodies from decay. 
(Smith, and before him Champollion, have also observed the same fact, which is here 
recorded by Maillet.) 





The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


XIII 


Professor Von Armaz relates in his history of Egypt, Voh 2, page 173, the fol¬ 
lowing evidences of natural preservation : 

‘^Tn a crypt in Cairo were found the remains of some Arabian travelers, in a good 
state of preservation, even to the clothing, which after a lapse of 77 years exhibited 
little or no alteration.’^ 

In some mined mosques, on the road from Cairo to Suez, were also discovered the 
tombs of several Mohammedan kings. The bodies which they contained were so com¬ 
pletely desiccated, and consequently so light, that they could easily be raised at arm’s 
length. Among these bodies one did not actually weigh over eight pounds. If, then, we 
must judge, a iwiori, of the superiority of the embalming process as practised by the 
Asiatic and African nations and that adopted by Europeans, we must admit that 
among the first, bodies would have a natural tendency to dry and mummify ; first, 
because of the nature of the bodies themselves, and also owing to the atmospherical 
influences on the bodies; whereas, with the bodies of Europeans, they decompose 
quickly through the agency of contrary causes. 

It is well known that mummies which were preserved intact in the Egyptian 
catacombs for two or three thousand years decay rapidly and emit an offensive odor 
when divested of their bandages and exposed to the attacks of our climate. 

It is also a fact that the methods of embalming have varied according to the 
times, location and circumstances. For instance, the Ethiopians, whose country pro¬ 
duced gum abundantly, imprisoned the body in a molten mass of transparent gum, 
which would soon solidify, and preserve the cadaver from the air. 

Honey was also employed in the preservation of the dead. Stace relates that the 
remains of Alexander the Great wei'e preserved in that substance ; and Pliny tells us, 
in book XXII., chap. XXIV., that the properties of honey are of such a nature that * 
it will prevent decay. Emilius Probius assured us that wax was also employed in pre¬ 
serving the dead, and cites as an example the case of Agesilas, whose remains were 
completely enveloped in wax for transportation to Sparta, and also the Persians, who, 
according to Cicero, made use of the same mode of pre.servation. 

However, we do not know all the means anciently adopted for the purpose of in¬ 
definitely preventing putrefaction. 

Coelius Eodiginaus, in his work on antiquities, alleges that about the year 1414 
the body of a young woman, entirely immersed in a saline solution (com230sition un¬ 
known), was found in a tomb on the Via Appia ; and the body of another woman was 
discovered in a mausoleum near Albano under similar conditions and also in a state of 
perfect preservation, but these two bodies were secretly disposed of by order of Pope 
Sixtus IV., who became alarmed at the superstitious reverence paid to them by the 
populace. 

We shall examine hereafter and in detail all of the above systems, and also the 
so-called wonderful secrets of Clauderus, Debils, Ruysh and Swammerdam, who is said 
to have sold the secret of his preserving fluid to Peter I., Czar of Kussia, about 1672, 
for a large sum. However, Strader, in 1731, published a process of embalming bodies 
which he claimed was the identical one sold to the Russian King of Swammerdam. 

“ The body was laid on a perforated board and placed into a lead vessel, the board 
being raised about four inches from the bottom; the body was then covered to a depth 
of about five inches Avith oil of turpentine. 

^C\fter a week of maceration the body was opened and all the cavities were filled 
with a mixture of pepper and strong spirits of Avine, after Avhich the body Avas again 






XIV 


The Embalmees’ Epitome. 


placed in the turpentine bath for the space of two months. By carefully applying this 
process, the body will forever resist the attacks of putrefaction, as well as those of the 
atmosphere.’’ It is doubtful that this may have been the method employed by Swam¬ 
merdam, as subsequent trials only proved inefficient to preserve a corpse, even during 
the first period of the experiment. 

The Guanches are, after the Egyptians, the only nation among whom the 
embalming of bodies seems to have been a national custom, and there also existed a 
great similarity in the process employed by both in the j^reservation of the dead. It 
was not unusual for those people to prepare during life the goat skins which were to 
form their shroud after death. In some instances the hair was allowed to remain; at 
other times it was carefully extirpated. Among the Guanches the embalmers, male 
and female, who ministered to the persons of their respective sex, were liberally paid, 
but were held in much contempt by the people, and did not mingle with the other 
classes of the population. 

It is an error to suppose that amongst the Guanches the embalmers were priests, 
and that the secret by which they preserved the dead was lost with the extinction of 
the ancient priesthood. 

The reader will perceive in the following description the strong analogy existing 
between the jorocess of the Guanches and that of the Egyptians; 

The body was extended on a stone slab; when an operator made'a long gash in the 
lower part of the abdomen by means of a sharp stone, shaped like a knife, and named 
Tabona; through the opening thus made the entire viscera was drawn out and washed 
in a saturated solution of salt in water. The body, the eyes, the ears, were also 
thoroughly cleansed with the same solution. All the cavities were then filled with 
aromatic herbs, and the body exposed to the sun, or the heat of an oven. During the 
process of desiccation the body was constantly anointed with a species of unguent 
composed of goat fat and odoriferous plants in powder, of resins, pumice stone, and 
other substances, intended to absorb the moisture of the tissues. On the fifteenth day 
the embalming process was complete, and the body was sewed up in the goat skins of 
which mention has been made before. If the body was that of a person of distinction 
it was placed in a box of some imputrescible wood, and thus wrapped in skins and 
encased in a box, was carried to some cave prepared for the purpose. 

Another and less dispendious method of 2 )reserving bodies consisted in desiccating 
the corpse by solar heat, after having introduced into the abdomen and chest a corro¬ 
sive liquor, which destroyed in a short time those deep-seated organs, that the sun 
could not dry sufficiently to prevent putrefaction. These Xaxos were treated in a 
similar manner as the others; sewed up in goat skins and carried in grattoes. 

As found to-day, these mummies are light and dry; many are well preserved, with 
the hair and beard; some have lost the finger nails, the features are distinct but 
shrunken. In some there are'traces of a gash in the abdomen, wdiile in others there is 
not; the color is rather dark, and the smell not unpleasant. It is rightly presumed 
that the acrid liquor employed in the embalming of bodies was the resinous product of 
the Euphorbium; some pieces of which were discovered in the mummies. 







The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


XV 



THE GRADUAL PROGRESS OF THE ART AND ITS 

PRESENT STATUS. 

In accordance with our aim as outlined in the preceding chapter, a disquisition on 
the science of embalming and its progress at different periods of the world^s history, 
becomes urgently needed to emphasize the numerous, and at times, seemingly insuperable 
difficulties which have been encountered by all investigators in that particular field 
of learning. Often have theories, supported by scientific principles, failed to produce 
the anticipated results. More frequently still, these principles, misunderstood and 
misapplied, have given a startling denial to hastily-formed conclusions and illustrated 
the lack of initiative on the part of experimenters who, blindly following in a beaten 
track, regardless of differential conditions as to climate and mode of procedure, have 
met with constantly recurring disappointments. It is a part of our purpose to present 
succinctly this erstwhile art, contemporary with the dawn of a civilization whose archives 
are preserved in the bricks of Babylonia, the hieroglyphics of Khem and the cylinders of 
Assyria—a Civilization which has left us as a tangible, irrefutable proof of its dis¬ 
tinctive superiority, its ponderous structures and the stupendous ruins of its gigantic 
monuments. 

^Ye shall reserve for the last the comments which must inevitably follow the 
indiscriminate adoption of methods and use of substances exhibited by the exposition 
of the many attempts made in the embalmment of the dead. 

The two essential parts of the embalming process among the Guanches and also, 
as we shall see hereafter, with the Egyptians, consisted first, in desiccating the bodies 
by depriving them of the water of composition contained in the tissues and of the fat 
which covered them; and secondly, in preventing the air and the atmospherical 
moisture from coming in contact with the body. We will see how far the nature of 
the Egyptian climate assisted the work of the embalmers which we will soon explain in 
detail. Neither must we omit to mention the vast subterranean vaults which existed 
near Thebes and which were the natural result of excavating for material from which 
to build the city. These immense excavations, protected by their position from the 
overflow of the Nile, preserved an even and unchangeable temperature which, upon 
experiment, has been found to be 20° Centigrade. 

Among the Egyptians, mourning and funerals are conducted in about the fol¬ 
lowing manner: When a man of rank dies, the women of his household cover their 
heads and even their faces with dirt. Leaving the body at home, they wander around 
in the city, nude to the waist and beating their breasts, accompanied by their relations; 
while the men follow about the same course in these matters. 

Diodorus Siculus (in Book I., page 102) gives a more exhaustive account of funerals 
with the Egyptians. According to that historian, the parents of the deceased give due 




















XVT 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


ENDORSEMENT ESTABLISHES CONFIDENCE. 


When dealing with strangers he sure they are well endorsed. Testimonials are 
sometimes misleading; often they are fraudulent; many times fictitious; but when 
the character of the endorsers are good, where the proof offered is positive, then you 
advance with assurance. You are prepared to act intelligently ; you believe the facts 
as presented, the same as if you personally knew them to be so. 


It gives me great pleasure to be able to say to you that I have used some four or five kinds of 
embalming fluids, and find that Utopia is the best. On October 3d I embalmed a lady who died 
of ascites and tuberculosis. I drew twenty quarts of water from the abdomen. She was in a perfect 
state of preservation October 8th. I could name three or four dropsical cases besides this one, and 
in every case the body was perfectly preserved. I can recommend Utopia to every F. D. Utopia 
is a grand success. 

M. F. ROGERS, Frankfort, N. Y. 


We are well pleased with Utopia ; kept bodies in the very hottest weather. 

CAREY & PEAIjER, Pennsylvania. 


We are very much pleased with Utopia, and think it is the best we ever used. 

CLARK & RADER, Warren, O. 


It works better than any fluid I have ever used. 
Utopia to my brother undertakers. 


I always take pleasure m recommending 
A. LEWIS, Brooklyn, N. Y. 


I have used other fluids previous, but I And none that have done their work as well as Utopia 

has. 

H. C. GRIFFIN, Jersey City, N. J. 


Your Utopia always gave us the best results either in winter or summer, so to preserve our repu¬ 
tation as embalmers please send us 25 gallons of Utopia. 

THOMAS MITCHELL, Wilmington, Del. 


I have seen your Utopia used and believe it to be an excellent substitute for ice, and a good 
restorer and preservative of color. 


JOHN H. JANEWAY, New York, 

Major and Surgeon United States Army. 


Utopia is the most desirable preparation I know of. 


D. ROBINSON, Neav York. 


We have found that Utopia gives general satisfaction and cheerfully recommend it as thoroughly 
reliable. 

F. JOHNSON & SON, New Orleans, La. 





















The Embalmeks’ Epitome. 


xvn 


notice of tlie day of the funeral in order that his friends, relations and the judges may 
assemble at the appointed time near the shores of a lake; the judges range themselves 
in a semi-circle on the beach where a boat is in readiness to receive the body; however, 
before placing the body on the boat, the judges are required, according to law, to listen 
to whatever accusations may be formulated against the deceased. If the accuser proffers 
false charges, he is condemned to pay the penalty of the offense with which he has 
accused the dead; and the body is carried across the lake to the place of sepulture, 
amid the rejoicings of his friends and the acclamations of the people. If, however, 
the charges are sustained and the deceased found guilty, the body is brought back to 
the house and his mummy placed upright against the wall of a room until his friends 
have either liquidated his debts or by paying the state a certain sum, procured a kind 
of absolution for his guilt. 

The Egyptian embalmers are appointed by legislative authority and follow the 
profession regularly. When a body is brought to them for embalming, they exhibit 
to the friends or relations three small models of mummies. The first and most expen¬ 
sive represents the body of ‘Miim whose name cannot be spokeid^ (Rha). The second 
is not quite so costly, and the third is the cheapest. When the price has been agreed 
upon and the conditions accepted, the body is left in charge of the embalmers. Here 
it may be well to explain who the embalmers were, and also the difference existing in 
the social standing of the various classes of persons whose duty it was to embalm 
the dead. 

The Kolchytes,^’ counting a certain number of priests among them, managed 
the business of the embalming house; received the bodies, took orders for embalming, 
paid tribute to the king, bought the necessary perfumes, spices and materials, and 
supervised all operations of the process without, however, touching the bodies entrusted 
to their care. They were highly respected. The Taricheutes,” or, properly speaking, 
the embalmers, those who manipulated the body during all stages of the process, were 
allowed to mingle with other citizens, though the odium of their trade clung to them. 
But the Parischites,"” whose duty it was to open the bodies, were considered unclean 
and treated as outcasts. 

The body was stretched at full length on a stone slab, and the brain was removed 
through the nostrils by means of a crooked piece of iron, after which one of the 
Kolchytes traced upon the left side of the abdomen the exact place and length of 
the incision to be made, according to the dictates of the law. Then one of the Pari- 
schites,'" following the indications of the mark left by the Kolchytes,'" opened the 
body with a sharp stone and immediately took to flight, pursued by the imprecations 
of the assistants, as the Egyptians consider any mutilation of a corpse as a sacrilegious 
offense. The Taricheutesthen took entire charge of the remains. 

Through the opening thus made the entrails were drawn out, and being thor¬ 
oughly washed and cleaned with palm wine, were enclosed in a box and thrown in the 
river Nile, accompanied by a sort of expiatory allocution addressed to the sun. 
(Porphyry, Book XVII., page 329.) (Kallicrates affirms that in the case of kings and 
princely persons the intestines were preserved in a coffer of stone. This assertion seems 
to be confirmed by the finding of some of these coffers in several royal tombs discovered 
in the Theban chain of mountains, remote from the quarters of the Menonia.) The 
cavities were then filled with crushed canella and myrrh, and some other aromatic 
resins and roots except incense, and the opening was closed with a suture. The body 
was then placed in natrum for seventy days in order to do away with the fat and oily 







XVTII 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


“ That penny is well spent that saves the Groat.” 


AYe add onr testimony to the virtue and perfect effectiveness of Utopia 
mend it as a thorouarhly reliable fluid. 

HINMAN BROS., 


and cheerfully recom- 
Brooklyn, N. Y. 


Utopia gives me greater satisfaction than any fluid I have ever used. I have the most perfect 
confidence in it and do not hesitate to recommend it. 

JOHN MORIARTY, Waterbury, Conn. 


AYe have found the Utopia fluid to give perfect satisfaction in all cases. 

T. W. BOTHICK & SON, New Orleans, La. 


We are quite pleased with the results of using Utopia. We tried it on a dropsical person whose 
limbs were badly ulcerated, with perfect success. 

J. CHATTAWAY & CO., Ilion, N. Y. 


In every instance, the results in using Utopia have been very gratifying. 

BENJAMIN L. DISBROAV, Trenton, N. J. 


Please forward the barrel of Utopia that 1 ordered of your agent, for my last barrel is nearly 
exhausted 

HORACE B. KNOWLES, Providence, R. I. 


AYe cheerfully recommend Utopia as The Fluid. 

KOCH & KYE, Ohio. 


I unhesitatingly say that I like Utopia above all other fluids used. 

T. R. QUIMBY, Millington, AId. 


By permission of J. Chas. Burton, Esq., we print the following : 

Mr. j. Chas, Burton. 

Dear Sir :—lt is with great pleasure I send you clippings from the Charleston Courier {wiWx 
Alayor Courtney's compliments) and to thank you for the manner in which you carried out every 
detail of the funeral of my late friend. General R. G. Ripley. It must be a great satisfaction to 
know that your offices are appreciated and that all you did for our late friend, especially your em¬ 
balming process, was perfect in every detail; his features and complexion were well preserved and all 
idea of death was removed. Y'ours respectfully, 

J. W. STUMP NORRIS, M. D. 

General R. G. Ripley was embalmed with Utopia. 


For years I have longed for something that would preserve bodies without the aid of ice boxes. 
For years I tried different kinds of embalming fluids, no less than four, but T signally failed. As I 
was casting about for a new fluid, I met your agent and was prevailed to try Utopia. I swung 
clear, so to speak, but with great anxiety for fear it would fail, but it has simply M^orked wonders. 
By degrees I found it could always be relied upon, and so I am glad the day has come when I have 
something that takes the place of the ice box, saving miles of travel and hard lifting, preserving the 
body better and permitting shrouding at pleasure and shipping it to a distance without its falling 
apart, and that something is Utopia. 

WRIGHT PEARSALL, Rockville Centre, L. I. 


The body looked better the next Monday than it did when he saw it, and was the same the tenth 
day when they buried it. And we will say for Utopia, it is the best fluid in the market. 

CLARK & RADER. AYarren, O. 
























The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


XIX 


substances of the body. (It is more probable, however, that the body was first placed 
ill natrum, and that afterwards the cavities were filled with the resins, as otherwise the 
natrum would have caused all these resinous substances to saponify.) After the lapse 
of seventy days the body was taken from the natrum and comjiletely swathed in band¬ 
ages of cotton or very fine fabric, according to the wealth and rank of the deceased; 
these bandages were saturated with gum, and entirely covered with many folds every 
part of the body. The corpse was then returned to the family who placed it in a box 
resembling the human form, and kept it in their house in some room devoted to the 
purpose. 

Another and less expensive mode of embalming consisted in injecting the abdomen, 
through the rectum, with a large quantity of cedrium (Monge favors the belief that 
cedrium was pyroligneous acid in its crude state), without removing any of the entrails, 
the rectum being closed to prevent the escape of the liquid and the body was placed in 
natrum for the usual length of time, after which the body was withdrawn from the 
salt; the injection of cedrium which had formerly been pushed into the abdomen 
was allowed to escape and the remains were returned to the friends without any further 
j)reparation. 

The third method, which was considered the cheapest, was as follows : The trunk 
of the body, the mouth and ears were filled with a liquor called ^^surniato^’ (which 
Smith and also Norton suppose to have been asphaltum), and the body was afterwards 
submitted to the action of the salt for the usual length of time ; this concluded the 
operation. 

It is somewhat singular that in the preceding modes of embalming, Herodotus did 
not speak of the desiccation of the body, but it must, to some extent, have taken place 
while the body was undergoing the saline process, which did not consist in immersing 
the body in a solution of the salt, as some have unwittingly stated, but in placing the 
body in the natrum itself in a dry state and in the following manner : The bottom of 
the vessel, generally made of wood and called keitos,^’ into which the body was 
deposited, was covered to the depth of eight or ten inches with the crushed crystals of 
the salt; upon this bed of natrum the body was laid and covered to a depth of a foot 
or more with the same substance. 

It becomes imjiortant, here, to note an oversight, if not an error, in the 2 )rocess of 
embalming as described by Herodotus. The mummies which have reached uS in all 
their integrity, were first swathed in bandages saturated with gum, and enveloped every 
part of the body separately, even to the fingers and toes, forming a homogeneous cover¬ 
ing, inaccessible to the atmosphere. Outside of this covering we find another ; in this 
the bands of linen are wider, not saturated with either gum or resin ; beneath them the 
arms are found crossed upon the breast and the legs are bound together. It is also 
doubtful that myrrh was ever employed in the preservation of bodies, as none of it was 
ever found in any mummy which has so far been examined ; but we feel more inclined 
to believe that statement of Mathos, the Egyptian priest of Rha, who says : The first 
and best method of preservation consisted in the cedria and asphaltum, to which also 
were added a number of very aromatic substances. In the second, cedria alone was 
used; and in the third, asphaltum; besides, the saline process formed also a part of the 
three methods of embalming. Still it is probable that neither Herodotus, Diodorus, 
Siculus, Trasiphanes or any of the ancient writers were ever informed, accurately, of 
that mysterious process by which the remains of Thoeta and Queen Nafre were so 
wonderfully preserved. That there existed a method of embalming unknown to these 









XX 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


'Tis not an expense to buy Utopia, and save the damage by poor fluids or ice. 


I think Utopia the best fluid in the market; it does its work to my entire satisfaction. I recom¬ 
mend it to every one that cares for the dead. 

L. D. DUNN, Meadville, O. 


Allow me to express the wish and hope that all reliable professionals may speedily learn to know 
the worth of your excellent fluid, Utopia. 

B. JOIiLS, Pittsfield, Mass. 


Will order in time so as not to be without it. 


CORNELL & WILLIAMS, Syracuse, N. Y. 


I can cheerfully recommend Utopia to any F. D. who may be in search of the best article and 
a thoroughly reliable fluid. 

M. GENOUNG, Brooklyn, N. Y. 


Utopia works to perfection. 


I have used U topia in several severe cases 


C. W. HILLS, Hartford, Conn. 


and have found it satisfactory in every instance. 

M. RYAN, Syracuse, N. Y. 


We have tried your fluid to our satisfaction and find it superior to 


BYERS, DOBYNS & CO., Greensburg, Ind. 


Utopia possesses all the requirements of a first-class fluid. 

M. T. DEININGER, Brooklyn, N. Y. 


I like your fluid very well. 


A. L. HOY, Du Bois, Pa. 


We find Utopia reliable in every particular. 


KENNEY Sl DILLON, Hartford, Conn. 


1 find that Utopia is just the thing for embalming. 


Utopia has proven very satisfactory. 


S. L. SWANK, Summit Hill, Pa. 


McDonald & smith, Swanton, Vt. 


I have had good success with your fluid. I should pronounce it a good article. 

A. W. GEE, Claremont, N. H. 


It is what we want—perfectly reliable in all cases and better than any we have ever used. 

MRS. M. CURRAN Connecticut. 


I did not have a single failure when using it. 

H. E. BOND, Brattleboro, Vt. 


Embalmed a lady weighing about 350 pounds. The body looks as well as it did a week ago when 
we embalmed it. The husband could not believe that his wife was dead. I think this is proof of 
work well done. 

I can cheerfully recommend the Utopia to all, as I believe it to be the best. 

M. E. NANGLE, Albany. N. Y. 






























The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


XXI 


historians and far superior to the accounts they have left us, must be evident from the 
state of preservation of some of the specimens in the Boulak museum. 

The Egyptian embalmers were acquainted with all parts of the viscera, the spleen, 
the liver and the kidneys ; those parts which it was forbidden to disturb ; they had 
found means to remove the brain without injuring the appearance of the skull; they 
also understood the action of alkaline substances upon animal matter, since they limited 
exactly the length of time necessary for the bodies to remain in direct contact with 
these salts. The insecticide properties of aromatic gums and resins were also known to 
them, and they understood that in order to protect the body thus desiccated from the 
moisture of the atmosphere, it must be carefully enveloped. In all this, we observe 
two distinct and well-reasoned attempts, first, to remove from the body those parts 
which might have caused putrefaction during the time employed for desiccation ; and 
second, to remove from the body all the influences which would eventually have led to 
its destruction, 

AVe must not omit to mention that which probably was the most important part 
of the embalming j^rocess, and which all historians seemed to have ignored. That 
the bodies being filled with resinous matters were submitted to the artificial heat of an 
oven, the temperature of which was suitably adapted to melt the resins, cause their 
more thorough assimilation with the tissues, and complete the desiccation of the body.’^ 
In a number of mummies which have been examined, some have been found without 
any opening in the abdomen, or without any trace indicating the removal of the 
brain. It is also easy to distinguish those which have been preserved by means of 
aromatic substances, and those which have been simply eviscerated and placed in 
natrum. The former have somewhat of an olive color; the skin is dry and flexi¬ 
ble, like tanned leather, slightly drawn and adhering closely to the bones and 
tissues; the features are well preserved and seemed to have retained the expression 
of life ; the cavities of the trunk are filled with a brittle, resinous substance, partly 
soluble in alcohol. These resins have no particular odor by which they may be 
known, but when thrown in the fire they give rise to a thick smoke, and exhale a 
pungent and aromatic odor. These mummies are very dry and easily broken; 
the teeth, hair and beard are still firmly planted ; some seem to have been par¬ 
tially, and others completely gilded. They do not change when kept perfectly dry, 
but when denuded of their envelope and exposed to the atmosphere they absorb 
moisture and soon give forth a disagreeable odor. The mummies which have been 
filled with bitumen are very dark, the skin is hard and smooth, and looks as if var¬ 
nished. These mummies are also dry but heavy. They have been gilded in several 
places and do not change materially when exposed to the air. In the bodies which do 
not show any trace of an opening on the left side of the abdomen it is certain that the 
entrails were either drawn out through the rectum or were destroyed by an injection of 
caustic soda. The mummies which have been filled with asphaltum and have also 
been coated outside with the same substance, are almost beyond semblance of shape or 
features ; the bitumen of these mummies was formerly considered as possessing medical 
properties, and was used in various specific disorders. Almost all mummies are swathed 
in the same manner, but a great difference exists in the number of the bandages, and 
also in the coarseness or delicacy of the tissue of which they are composed. In some 
instances masks, composed of several thicknesses of fine linen glued together and 
• painted outside to resemble the corpse, were found applied on the face. It is not often 
that mummies are found in their cases of cedar or sycamore, as these shells have often 







XXTI 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


“ Great exertions don’t always end in great results. Don’t work so *’ard but use ‘ Utopia,' and 
substitute brain wa)rk for manual labor.” 


As an embalmer and bleacher, etc., w'e consider it the best we have ever used. We v'ould say tO' 
the profession, when other fluids fail, use Utopia. 

WM. PUNCH & SON, Rochester, N. Y. 


You certainlv have a very superior article of fluid. 

S. R. LIPPINOOTT, Richmond, Ind. 


I take great pleasure in informing you that I have given Utopia a thorough test on a very bad 
case of dropsy. The body was in quite a decomposed condition when I took charge of it on March 
24; and on Sunday, when I buried it, it was in a perfect state of preservation. Weight of subject^ 
240 pounds. I consider Utopia a very elegant fluid. 

A. RAUB, Scranton, Pa. 


We found your Utopia worked perfect and is in every way satisfactory. 

D. C. WHITTEN & CO., Utica, N. Y. 


I am well pleased with Utopia. 


JOHN BIEVER, Auroka, Ire. 


I cheerfully recommend Utopia as the best and safest in all cases. 

W. H. SMITH, Xew York. 


I am free to say that your Utopia undoubtedly has very good qualities and I can safely recom¬ 
mend the same. 

R. R. BRINGHURST, Philadelphia, Pa. 


After a fair trial, we do consider Utopia one of the best upon the market, if not the best, which 
we believe it is for arterial work. 

E. HOLMES & CO., New York. 


Utopia, is the boss. 


HAWKE S & ACKLEY, Keokuk, Ioava. 


We arterially embalmed a lady on September 8th, placed the body in the vault on the 11th; on 
the 21st we examined it and found it was in as fine a condition as Ave ever saw a body. AYe can safely 
recommend Utopia as the best fluid in use. 

RIPLEY & HEDGES, Indianapolis, Ikd. 


What ice or other fluids cannot accomplish Utopia does. Thermometer 98 and 100 degrees. 
Ice failed to preserve the body. Utopia brought it back to a natural and lifelike appearance. 

On July 5th, I was called to take charge of an eminent physician who had died of cholera morbus, 
after thirty-six hour’s sickness. He was promptly put on ice, I being away at the time. Upon my 
return I saw the remains and found that something else must be done, as the ice-box was not keeping 
him. On returning to the store I found Mr. Carpenter, your agent, there. At my request he went with 
me to the house. We removed the body from the preserver, and he embalmed the remains with 
Utopia, using the brachial artery. The next morning we found the body in a perfect state of pre- 
serA^ation ; the face, Avhich before had been badly discolored, returned to its natural color, and looked 
as lifelike as possible. I shipped the body to Palmyra, N. Y., where the services took place thirty- 
six hours later, and have since learned from his brother in-law, who accompanied the remains, that 
he looked as natural as life. I am glad to give my testimony as to the merits of Utopia, as I have 
used it for some time with the result above stated. 

FRANK S. HENDERSON, Brooklyn, N. Y. 



















The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


XXIII 


been destroyed by the influence of time or some other cause ; but a few have been 
found sealed in some monolith of stone or of basalt. 

The description of the embalming process among the Egyptians,, as given above, 
and transmitted to us by the historians of antiquity, is crude, full of discrepancies and 
contradictions, and leaves us in total obscurity concerning the system of perfect and 
astonishing preservation in which the mummy of Queen Nafre was found. 

We must not be astonished at the means of perfect preservation employed by the 
Egyptians, nor at their systematic and scientiflc application. According to the 
various kinds of mummies which have been exhumed, and by comparing carefully the 
different degrees of perfection noticeable in each specimen, we must conclude that 
the art of embalming, which at first was of a crude nature, must have advanced, become 
more elaborate, and also become better understood, in the same ratio as other arts and 
industries progressed, and the sciences advanced under the impulse of the studious, 
ascetic and powerful priesthood. That the Egyptians understood the rudiments of 
astronomy, geometry, chemistry and natural philosophy is no longer a matter of doubt; 
and more wonderful still, they used tools furnished with diamond points to engrave the 
hard basaltic stone of their sarcophagi, since iron was unknown to them. 

The records of the various embalming processes, as practised by the Egyptians 
and faithfully reproduced from the writings of Herodotus, seem to us imperfect and 
lacking in many particulars. That another, and far more complete mode of preserva¬ 
tion was known to the embalmers of that land hoary Avith the mystic lore of accumu¬ 
lated centuries, is now a well established fact; the discovery of Queen Naige in her 
opulent splendor of barbaric ornaments has shown to the Avorld a mummy so perfect 
and so far above our conception of the human power in preserving the dead, that our 
mind wanders in a labyrinth of thoughts and conjectures before the wondrous skill, 
the occult intelligence which has produced this almost prehistoric marvel. Some 
eight years ago the dark Styrinx in the desolate Lybian chain surrendered to the light 
of that same sun Avhich, 3,800 years ago, shone resplendent upon the pylons of royal 
Thebes the precious treasure Avhich it had so long and so faithfully guarded in its 
Avomb of granite. 

The modern archaeologist, that scientiflc ferret of the silent ruins, had penetrated 
the secret of the mysterious catacomb and sacrilegiously disturbed the long sleep of its 
graceful sovereign. 

The mummy of that beauteous woman, who once mounted the throne of the 
Pharaohs and governed Egypt, Avas removed Avith extreme caution to the vast halls of 
the Boulak Museum in Cairo; and carefully the numerous coverings and the flnely- 
Avoven, almost transparent linen were removed, until the young Avoman appeared in 
the chaste nudity of her beautiful flgure, retaining, in spite of so many centuries gone 
by, all the roundness of contour, all the supple grace of perfect lines. Ordinarily, 
mummies prepared Avith bitumen and natron resemble black images cut out of ebony. 
The corpse has not returned to the dust from Avhence it came, but it has hardened into 
a repulsive object. 

Here the body, prepared by a longer, safer and noAv unknoAvn process, had pre¬ 
served the elasticity of the flesh ; and the skin, of a light broAvn, had the hue of a neAV 
florentine bronze, and the Avarm amber tints so much admired in the paintings of 
Titian. The features Avore the calm of slumber more than that of death; the eyelids 
shoAved betAveen their edges, stained Avith antimony, the enamel of the eyes. It seemed as 
if they Avere going to shake ofl, like the dream of a moment, the sleep of thirty-eight 



XXIV 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


No praise is too great for “ Utopia \ ” in a world where perfect work is necessary to be success¬ 
ful in business. 


We embalmed a young lady weighing from one hundred and sixty to one hundred and seventy 
pounds dying from miscarriage at eight months. This we considered an excellent test case, the body 
being very fleshy and full of blood at time of death. We embalmed the body with Utopia. The 
body was conveyed from here one hundred and fifty miles up in the state of New Jersey, and after 
several days interred. The husband said all were surprised and highly pleased at the perfect con¬ 
dition of and natural appearance of the body. Another case we embalmed with Utopia was a gentle¬ 
man of a wealthy family. The family on seeing the body after we had it arranged in the casket, 
inquired if it were possible that the natural appearance and condition of the body was alone due to 
our process of embalming. We embalmed a j’oung man, John W. Dosch, with Utopia, April 26, 
1886, and buried him on April 29. On April 25, 1887, being a year less one day, his family wished 
to have the remains removed to Philadelphia. Upon examination we found the body in a good state 
of preservation. We might refer you to dozens of cases in all of which our embalming with Utopia 
has given perfect satisfaction. 

W. A. FARIES & BRO., Smyrna, Del. 


I consider Utopia a very elegant fluid. 


BENJ. T. LYLE, Philadelphia, Pa. 


I have used Utopia for the past year and have found it to give perfect satisfaction in all cases. 

CARMAN PEASELL, New York. 


I have been using Utopia for the last year or more, and it has never gone back on me. I have 
used several different kinds of fluid and never found any as good. It does the work every time. 

GEORGE A. WAITT, Danvers, Mass. 


Utopia is doing good work. 


JOHN N. BRUCE, New Hampshire. 


The fluid Utopia gives perfect satisfaction in every case in which it is used. We embalmed a 
lady who died of apoplexy. She looked so natural and lifelike that her friends could hardly believe 
her to be dead. She was the most perfect preserved corpse we ever saw. 

THOS. MITCHELL & BROS., Wilmington, Del. 


I consider Utopia the best fluid on the market to-day, and do not hesitate in recommending it 
to the profession. 

L. F. TICE, Brooklyn, N. Y. 


Utopia— a valuable fluid. 

JOHN WESTERFELD, New York. 


I think your Utopia first class. 

A. R. LAMB, Pennsylvania. 


We are highly pleased with Utopia, it does the work nicely. 

J. TAYLOR & SON, Ohio. 


Your Utopia does the work perfectly in every respect. Never had a case, with your fluid, go 
back on us. 


WATERHOUSE & PARSONS, Massachusetts. 


















The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


XXV 


centuries. These splendid remains of a beautiful queen were much altered after a 
few weeks of exposure to the air, according to the report of Mhurad Bey, one of the 
officers of the museum. 

The Osirian priest, Anem-pha, the Hierophant of Memfi, held in his mummy hand 
an illegible papyrus, which is supposed to contain the secret of the embalming process 
of sovereigns, the signs corresponding to the words, ^Heft to bathe in the liquor Karah, 
and anointed with the sacred Amshe,^’ are often repeated. Perhaps time has destroyed 
in the fingers of the old Colchytes the solution to the enigma of that wonderful preser¬ 
vation of the young queen. 

We are not permitted to believe that a people whose skill and genius, so strongly 
evinced by the remains of their colossi and gigantic monuments, could remain ignorant 
of the nature of the means by them employed in the preservation of their dead ; neither 
did they fail to take advantage of the exceptional advantages afforded by their climate 
to facilitate their purpose. 

We may at this point bring forth conspicuously the great analogy existing between 
the embalming of the Guanches and that of the Egyptians. The mummies discovered 
in the Canary Islands show traces exactly similar to those of Egypt; some have the in¬ 
cision on the left side, for the removal of the viscera; and the same methodical rea¬ 
soning, viz., that of complete desiccation, appears to have formed, in both instances, the 
foundation for the theory of indefinite preservation. Was that strange similitude in 
the process of two peoples so remote from each other the result of an intuition con¬ 
trolled by climatic infiuences of the same nature ? or did the Guanches obtain their 
information from the Egyptians ? This last hypothesis would give some substance to 
the myth, so called, of Atlantis, the ancient Meropis of Theopompus, the Atlantis of 
Plato, that continent denied by Origen, Jamblichus, Danville, Malte-Brun and Hum¬ 
boldt, who placed its disappearance among the legendary tales ; and admitted by Pasi- 
donius, Pliny, Ammianus Marcellinus, Tertullian, Engel, Buffon and D^Avezac ; who 
knows ? 

It is said that the Chinese, at a remote period of their existence as .a nation, pre¬ 
served their dead by means of some mercurial preparation, with which the body was 
saturated. It has been even reported that bodies in a good state of preservation, were 
found in tombs of great antiquity in the province of Foochow, and that the bodies fell 
to dust under the touch of the finger when exposed to the air ; but as these reports 
lack authentic confirmation, they may be considered as purely imaginary. The Chal¬ 
deans and Assyrians, amongst whom the process of embalming does not seem to have 
been in popular use, have, however, imitated the Egyptians in some instances in their 
manner of preservation. 

The Egyptians were in reality the only nation in the old world where the embalm¬ 
ing of the dead was ever accepted as a sort of religious rite and a national custom; and 
although we may at times learn of some instance of body preservation amongst the 
Eomans, the Persians, the Greeks and the Jews, the custom never was carried to any 
great extent by them. Until about the fifth century of the Christian era, the Eypt- 
ians continued to preserve their dead, although the practice had already, and for a 
long time previous, ceased to be general. But in Europe we cannot trace any authentic 
accounts of attempts at body preservation until about the ninth century, when an 
English physician by the name of Lawson endeavored to employ, with some modifica¬ 
tions, the Egyptian process for the preservation of the dead in his country. His man¬ 
ner of i^roceeding according to Eberhart was as follows : 






XXVI 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


“ The best is aye the cheapest.” Avoid imitations of and substitutes for “ Utopia.” 


My Dear Sir :—According to your request I write now to inform you that I arrrived on Tues¬ 
day the 8th with my sister’s body. We had a rough passage out, but notwithstanding all, when the 
lid was removed, we looked through the glass upon the perfect face of the dear one. She looked as 
though she had just died. My sisters in this country join me in thanking you for all your kindness 
in looking after our dead. Clara W. Taylor. 

The foregoing letter I received from Miss Taylor, of Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies, and bears 
testimony of my w^ork with Utopia on the remains of J, D. Taylor, who died in this city January 
27th and placed in St. Nicholls’ vault, January 28th, removed to the steamer February 2d. Funeral 
occurred at Kingston February 9lh. I take great pleasure in forwarding you a copy of the letter, 
trusting in future to give you yet better accounts of your valuable fluid. I remain, yours truly, 

JOHN WESTERVELT, New York. 


I have had very good results by using your Utopia. 


A. R. LAMB, Scranton, Pa. 


The fluid, Utopia., is what was represented to us by your agent, and w^e are highly pleased with 
it, for it does the work nicely. 

J. TAYLOR & SON, Wilmington, O. 


I gave your fluid a very thorough test, having a subject on which I used Utopia, kept the body 
in a perfect state of preservation from Saturday until Friday afternoon, shipping the body two 
hundred miles. It was a very bad case of typhoid fever. I would recommend F. D’s Utopia as the 
fluid in all cases. 

P. H. GILBERT, Hamilton, O. 


During Mr. Carpenter’s stay in Utica, he embalmed the remains of a lady with Utopia. She 
died of dropsy. It was a very difficult case, the weather being very warm. She was kept for live 
days and "was in an excellent state of preservation. Utopia is certainly a good fluid, and we cheer¬ 
fully recommend it. 

D. C. WHITTEN & CO., Utica, N. Y. 


Your fluid is A No. 1. 

M. F. ROGERS, Frankfort, N. Y. 


Utopia is giving good satisfaction. 
I cannot but speak well for Utopia. 


I had a very difficult case, and it did its work well so that 

H. F. HOWLAND, Streator, III. 


Utopia worked like a charm and gave the best results. 

J. F. BIRCH, District Columbia. 


Geo. F. Bender, the skillful embalmer, has given to the world another instance of his unsurpas¬ 
sed professional abilities, and also of the super! )r excellence of Utopia in perfectly preserving the 
remains of the universally regretted Roscoe Conkling. 

“ SUNNYSIDE.” 


can cheerfully recommend Utopia to the profession. 

WM. PRICE, Scranton, Pa. 


I am pleased with Utopia ; it has done all I asked of it. 

G. W. SCOVILLE, Norfolk, Conn. 





















The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


XXVII 


The body was opened and eviscerated, and washed several times in a strong solu¬ 
tion of common salt, until the blood had entirely disappeared from the large vessels 
and the tissues, when the brain was removed through a hole made in the back of the 
skull, and the cranial cavity thoroughly cleaned with the above licjuid. The body was 
then left to macerate in a vat, containing equal parts of common salt and saltpetre 
(saltpetre and its properties had just been discovered by Geber), The length of time 
occupied by the macerating process is given at three months, although we are given to 
understand by the chronicler that some of the bodies showed unmistakable signs of 
decomposition before that time had expired. The body was then swathed in linen 
bandages saturated with wax, and encased in oak coffins ; but owing to the extreme 
humidity of the climate, bodies thus prejoared would putrefy rapidly, and on account 
of the offensive odor were soon consigned to the earth. The preceding account of a 
crude and thoughtless imitation of the Egyptian mode of preservation demonstrates 
fully the great assistance the embalmers found in the dry climate of Egypt, and in the 
arid, nitrous soil of that country. It also illustrates the folly of expecting similar 
results from the same process where the climatic conditions are so entirely different. 
However, this first attempt at body preservation was soon followed by another which 
proved also a failure, but in another way. 

In the year 1007 a Neapolitan surgeon of eminence, Fidelio Paziari, who was then 
in great repute for having in his laboratory some small specimens of anatomical prep¬ 
arations, undertook to preserve the human body in its entirety. He fell in the same 
error as those who before him had adopted the ancient process of Egypt, without tak¬ 
ing into account the atmospheric conditions ; but notwithstanding this lack of discrim¬ 
ination, we can readily perceive a clearer understanding of the laws governing putre¬ 
faction. The process of the Italian anatomist consisted in opening the body, and as 
in the preceding instance removing the contents of the chest and abdomen. The 
blood was removed by repeated washings of water, and the body was placed in a bath 
of salt and vinegar for several days, the solution being renewed daily, after which the . 
body was dried with towels and removed to the Solfatara and submitted to the hot 
sulphurous vapors issuing from the fissures in the ground. 

This process also proved useless, as some of the subjects decayed rapidly after be¬ 
ing removed from the gaseous influence, and others who were allowed to remain exposed 
for a longer time to the sulphurous exhalations, presented the appearance of having 
been steamed, the skin becoming easily detachable, and in some instances also the 
tissues. The surgeon Paziari was interrupted in his experiments by an order from the 
Archbishop of Florence, who forbade any further attempt at what the clerical world 
considered then as sacrilegious proceedings, which feeling was to a great extent shared 
by the populace, who also had for a long time regarded the scientist's work with deep- 
seated dread and horror. 

It is useless to follow here the numerous and futile efforts made in Europe during 
the succeeding decades and centuries in the attempt to preserve bodies. It would 
be irrelevant to the subject in hand, and also would prove of little interest and less in¬ 
structive to the reader, the more so, that, with the conservatism due to a restriction in 
the knowledge of scientific discoveries, the old Egyptian process always formed the 
basis fqr all methods that were then invented. Spices of all sorts, aromatic herbs, gums 
and resins of all descriptions were used at random, and possessing in themselves no 
anti-putrid properties whatever, could not arrest putrefaction. The removal of the 
brain, the thoracic and abdominal viscera, the long and deep scarifications in the limbs 





XXVIII 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


“ Good service is a great enchantment.” The service of Utopia in preserving and embalming is 
like magic. ____ 

I pronounce your fluid to be perfect in every respect. 1 recommend it to all with perfect safety 
as a first-class fluid. 

THOMAS H. NEALON, Troy, N. Y. 


Utopia is the very fluid we want. 

C. T. WRIGHT, Cambridge City, Ind. 


I have used Utopia several times this summer, and it works to a charm. 

SMITH & CO., Independence, Mo. 


Before I began to use Utopia 1 had given most all other fluids a trial, and I must acknowledge 
that Utopia beats them all. 

G. F. BENDER, Embalmer for Patterson, Bevins & Plowright, Xew York 


Since the introduction of fluid for the preservation of the dead I have been an ardent advocate 
of the same, and have tried each and every prescription that has been placed upon the market. It 
affords me great pleasure and it must no doubt be a satisfaction to you to know that among them all 
I have found Utopia to be the one giving the best results, and the most reliable, backed up as it is 
by a house of known responsibility and enterprise. My wish and advice is that all F. D.’s may try 
it and learn to know its worth. 

STEWART G. B. GOURLAY, Jr., Brooklyn, N. Y. 


It affords me great pleasure, after giving most other fluids a fair and impartial trial, to say that 
I have had unbounded success with Utopia. I have used Utopia the past three years exclusively. 
I sleep perfectly at ease, knowing Utopia has done its work faithfully and truly. 

A. LEWIS, Brooklyn, N. Y. 


As thousands of undertakers believe ice to be invaluable to keep a body and that one can rest safe 
as long as the body is properly cared for, so did I; but my faith in the ice-box was shaken. A lady 
died of pneumonia, weight about two hundred pounds. I placed her remains in an ice-box with all 
care and precaution. The next day the body was in a very bad state, purging and bloating, face, 
neck and ears badly discolored. On my return to the office I found your agent: upon consulting 
him in regard to the case he was so confident that Utopia would restore the body to perfect condition 
that I did not hesitate to try it. Having Utopia on hand I embalmed the remains. After relieving 
the body of all its gases I injected the body and almost immediately could see a change for the better. 
About an hour after injecting all discoloration had disappeared, purging stopped, and the body kept 
in a perfect state of preservation until the day of the funeral, thanks to the good qualities of Utopia, 
which proved to be more reliable than ice, and which I urgentlj^ recommend to my brothers in the 
profession. 

F. H. PAWNALL, Jamesburgh, N, J. 


My experience with Utopia confirms my opinion that Utopia is unexcelled. 

JACOB SECHLER, Philadelphia, Pa. 


Utopia gives the best satisfaction of any fluid that we have ever used. 

MORGAN & BENNETT, Ohio. 


I can recommend Utopia to the profession in general. 


M. E. NANGLE, Albany, N. Y. 





















The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


and the body, to bring the spices in closer contact with the tissues; but all these ren- 
deied the opeiation repugnant to the feelings, and in that age of deeply-seated religious, 
belief, were viewed as a desecration of the dead. Moreover the results never war¬ 
ranted the obnoxious methods employed. 

The pieseivation of animal matter presents a field of vast interest, and having now 
become an important branch of the undertaking profession we must be allowed to treat 
the subject as exhaustively as it demands. Desiccation has been and could be applied 
indistinctly to the preservation of all animal substances liable to undergo decomposition, 
but among these substances a large number can be preserved without the agency of the 
desiccating process, and to this end four other methods present themselves, each one 
possessing specific advantages .of its own, and every one also possessing its own mode of 
application, subservient to the nature of the body to be preserved, and the requirements 
of the case. 

1st. Animal matter can be preserved by congelation. 

2d. By preventing a direct contact of these substances with the surrounding 
atmosphere. 

3d. By surrounding animal substances with others which, and without combining 
together, will prevent putrefaction. 

4th. By bringing them in direct contact with other substances capable of produc¬ 
ing, by intimate combination, new compounds which render them imputrescible. This 
last mode embodies in itself the fundamental principle of the science of embalming) 
and will form the principal portion of our study. However, and to systemize our 
researches, examples and deductions of this subject, we will follow automatically the 
plan traced at the commencement of this paper. 

Desiccation can be either natural or artificial. It is natural when we depend 
solely on the action of the atmosphere upon the substances to be thus preserved ; for 
instance, thecharqui is a method employed in some warm countries for the preservation 
• of meat. The lean parts of the flesh of animals are cut in long thin strips and exposed 
to the heat of the sun, being careful to turn it over occasionally so as to completely 
desiccate every part of it; it is then pulverized in mortars and the powder thus 
obtained packed in jars ; being placed in a dry spot this becomes a nutritious article of 
diet, which remains sweet so long as it is protected from the influences of atmospheric 
moisture. It is artificial when produced by the heat of an oven ; in this instance, the 
degree of heat must be so graduated as to dissipate the moisture of the substances with¬ 
out scorching, or causing an exudation of the albumen or fibrin contained in the tissues, 
as the coagulation of these two substances must remain the only objective point. 

Congelation.—Some northern nations have applied this method to the preservation 
of meat and fish. It is said that a Dinotherium,'’'’ a gigantic animal of prehistoric 
times, and which was undoubtedly caught alive in the ice, was found imbedded in a 
glacier, on the shores of the Lena, in 1802, and Laplanders greedily ate the flesh of the 
animal which had thus been imprisoned in the ice for several thousand years. During 
the explorations of the sea of ice between the rivers Lena and Kolyma, hundreds of 
elephants, rhinoceros and buffaloes were found buried in the icy soil. Refrigeration 
has for a somewhat lengthy period been employed in the preservation of bodies. 

Exclusion of Air.—Preservation of animal matter by this means can be obtained 
in two different ways. First, by surrounding the substance to be preserved, with 
others, which effectually prevent its contact with the atmosphere, or according to 
the second, animal matter may be introduced into sealed vessels whose air, by allowing 






XXX 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


“Don’t borrow trouble,’’ buy Utopia. Tis cheaper in the end. 


Have just done the nicest job of embalming I have ever done, and am, therefore, confident of the 
worth of Utopia. 

E. J. WISWALL, DkKalb, III. 


I am using Utopia now and am very well pleased with it. 

JAMES HEATON, Lincoln, Neb. 


I consider your Utopia the best fluid in the market, without any exception. 

W. J. MATTHEWS, New Yoke. 


Utopia is the best I ever used ; an excellent bleacher, and this is no bluff. 

F. A. McGill, Marlboro, Mass. 


I have not lost a case this season when using Utopia. 

THOS. T. BERRY, Paw^tuckkt, R. I. 


Your Utopia is the best fluid I ever have used. I feel safe when using it. 

DENNIS TOBIN, Portland, Me. 


Utopia gives good satisfaction at all times. 

JAMES FALLON, Peabody, Mass. 


I am glad to say we have the best success with Utopia. 

SMITH & CO., Independence, Mo. 


We can highly recommend your fluid for a first-class article and a fine bleacher. 

ROTH & HOEFER, Peoria, III. 


* * * A man died of a complication of diseases, particularly heart disease and gangrenous leg. 
When 1 was called in, the body was in a room that registered 80^ F,, and was very much discolored, 
his right leg being so badly decomposed that the odor was almost unendurable. I embalmed the 
body by taking up the femoral artery in the right leg, and when I finished the body looked much 
improved and all disagreeable odors ceased. The next morning I was surprised, all discoloration 
was gone, the flesh had become firm, and decomposition of the leg had been entirely arrested. During 
all this time the body had remained in a warm room, and on the day of the funeral there was not the 
slightest trace of discoloration or any disagreeableness. The family were very much pleased, and in 
the future will not permit the F. D. (whoever he may be) to resort to ice. 

THOMAS P. BROWNE, New York, N. Y. 


We are pleased to say that, after trying several fluids, we have not found any that does the work 
as well as yours. We embalmed the body of a man who died very suddenly ; death having resulted 
from hemorrhage. We had no trouble in keeping the remains for sixteen days, and we are highly 
complimented for keeping the body as well. We cheerfully recommend Utopia to undertakers. 

A. H. SENIOR & SON, Newark, N. J. 


We have used Utopia until we are fully convinced that it is the best embalming fluid on the 
market. A lady died of heart disease ; we kept her three days, and the last day the family, without 
our knowledge, sent for the physician to examine the body, as they were positive she w^as not dead, 
but looked as though she was sleeping. She did look elegant. She weighed 175 lbs. We gladly 
recommend Utopia. 


HOWELL & TAYLOR, Little Falls, N. Y, 

















The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


XXXI 


its oxygen to combine with some of the principles of the substance to be preserved^ 
thereby loses its property to develop putrid fermentation. The first method forms the 
basis of the means generally employed in museums of natural history, for the preser¬ 
vation of specimens, by immersing them in volatile oils. Another mode similar to the 
one we are now describing, by its action and effects, consists in varnishing the objects 
to be preserved with resinous alcoholic solutions, as guttapercha dissolved in chloroform, 
sulphuret of carbon, etc., which by evaporation leave an impervious coat on the surface 
of these objects. 

For the preservation of microscopic preparations, M. Pacini has proposed the 


following formula: 

Bichloride of Mercury. 1 part 

Chloride of Iodine. 2 parts. 

Glycerine . 13 parts. 

Distilled Water. 113 parts. 


Let the liquid rest for two months, then add 3 more parts of distilled water and filter. 

M. Latour preserves anatomical preparations by means of a solution of Iodine or 
Bromine : 


Iodine. 5 parts. 

Tartar Emetic. 6 parts. 

Distilled Water .300 parts. 

Or : 

Bromine . 5 parts. 

Tartar Emetic . 6 parts. 

Distilled Water . 500 parts. 


The following has also been prepared for immersion : 


Corrosive Sublimate. . 1 part. 

Glycerine. .... ... ^0 parts. 


Macerate for two weeks, drain until dry, and varnish. As to the results obtained, 
in the preservation of bodies, by simply enclosing in hermetically sealed metallic 
oaskets, success so far has been the exception, not the rule. The macerating of animal 
substances in a saturated solution of common salt has been known for a long time, 
and by adding nitrate of potash to the solution it is said to retain the red color of the 
tissues. The following has been used in England to preserve muscles and tissues : 


Brown Sugar. 

Common Salt.. 

Nitrate of Potash. 

Distilled Water . 

In 1872 Mr. Van Vetter proposed for 
solution composed as follows ; 

’ Glycerine. 

Brown Sugar. 

. Saltpetre. 

Distilled Water. 


. 5 ounces. 

. 10 ounces. 

. 7y ounces. 

.. i gallon. 

the preservation of anatomical preparations a 

. 1 pint. 

. 2 ounces. 

. 2 ounces. 

. ^ gallon. 


In 1873 M. Jaquez employed the borate of soda, boracic acid, and all the borates in 


general for the same purpose. 

The process of preservation applied by Dr. Morgan, which bears some similarity to 


























XXXII 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


“ It’s good tale bears telling twice.” “ Use Utopia.” “ Use Utopia.” 


Please ship one barrel of Utopia at once. Nothing like Utopia these days (August). Please 
consider me a life member of your patrons. You are at liberty to use my name in testimony of the 
merits of Utopia. Nothing I use, nothing I have, nothing I can do myself that brings me so much 
praise as Utopia, properly used. I embrace every opportunity to speak of its value. I shall use 
no other. 

F. M. FAIRCHILD, Brooklyn, N. Y . 


The body of a lady, weighing over 200 pounds, having died in comparatively full health, was 
embalmed by Mr. Charles Raynor, Sayville, N. Y. After six days had lapsed since death, and 
traveling over 150 miles, the body was in a perfect state of preservation. The body was embalmed 
with Utopia _ 

Please send me a half barrel of your superior Utopia embalming fluid. Praised be Utopia ! 

HORACE B. KNOWLES, Providence, R. I. 


Having used Utopia at the time of the flood, and since that time, and having found it very 
effective in all kinds of cases, I heartily recommend it to the profession as a good and reliable fluid. 

JOHN HENDERSON, Johnstown, Pa. 


We think your fluid stands at the top ; none better. 

WARNER, SMILEY & LITTLETON, Birmingham, Ala.. 


Let me congratulate you on the good qualities of your Utopia. Kept a body for two weeks. 
It looked excellent. 


A. STILLWELL, Gravesend, L. I. 


Utopia gives us entire satisfaction. 

WYLIE & BARCLAY, Atlanta, Ga. 


The colonel died of dropsy, and four days after death was placed in a vault. Three months and 
twelve days afterwards I examined the body in presence of the family. We found the body in the 
most complete state of preservation, without perceptible change, the features as natural as life. With 
extreme satisfaction I mail this testimonial of my appreciation of your most excellent Utopia. 

E. K. BRIGHT, Northumberland, Pa. 


I have had several bad bodies during this season, but for Utopia I would have been helpless. 

CHAS. W. SWIFT, Atlanta, Ga. 


Utopia has given entire satisfaction. 

ROBERT & WALTER M. HOLE, Salem, O. 


Utopia proves very satisfactory in all respects. 

C. T. WRIGHT, Cambridge City, Ind. 


I think Utopia one of the most popular fluids ; it is the undertaker’s friend. 

GEO. W. WALLER, Ottowa, Kan. 


T embalmed the body of a young man three months ago and buried it. At the expiration of 
the above time I removed the body. In opening the casket I found the remains in perfect condition. 
Typhoid fever was the cause of death. This is what Utopia can do if properly handled. 

A. LEWIS, Brooklyn, N. Y. 

















Tub Embalmees’ Epitome. 


XXXIII 


that of Mr. Graunal, consists in injecting into the subject a strong solution of salt and 
nitrate of potassa. having first emptied the circulating system of the blood therein 
contained. 

In 1866 Mr. Shaler brought to public notice a new mode of preservation by means 
of carbonic acid, dry and chemically pure. 

A number of other methods have also been used with more or less success—by re¬ 
peated immersions in a solution of sulphate of alumina ; gum tragacanth ; acetate of 
soda, acetate of lime; by means of sulphurous acid (braconnat); with the oxide of car¬ 
bon (pelouze) ; by saturating completely with a solution of isinglass, sugar, and gum 
arabic, to which 2 per cent, of fuschin was added. 

Recently Mr. Redwood, of London, thought it possible to preserve meat indefinitely 
by plunging it in paraffine liquified. To get rid of it the meat is immersed in boiling 
water, the paraffine is set free by melting, and can be used again for the same purpose. 

The fourth method employed for the preservation of organic animal matter, and 
that which most particularly must arrest our attention, and form the theme of our 
future studies, is the judicious manipulation of substances, which are capable of form¬ 
ing, with animal matter, combinations and compounds perfectly imputrescible. Crea- 
sote, alcohol, tannin, bichloride of mercury, the salts of iron, of zinc, of alumina, 
carbolic acid, arsenic, the protochloride of tin, thymol, glycerine, the borates in 
general, salycilic acid, etc., are among those most frequently employed. Creasote is 
one of the best means used for the purpose; it is also the most ancient. Cedria, which 
has been made use of in the embalming of bodies by several nations of antiquity, is 
analogous to the oil of cade which obviously contains a large percentage of creasote. 
It is then to this substance much more than to the other products of the cedrium proper 
that we must attribute its preserving properties. It is also to the properties of creasote 
that flesh is preserved in the smoking of meats. This method carries within itself two 
distinct and effectual means of preservation ; first, a partial desiccation of the animal 
substances; second, their thorough impregnation by the pyrogneous products of smoke. 
Creasote alone, devoid of all other pyrogneous products, possesses in the highest degree 
anti-putrid properties. A mixture of 

Creasote.1 ounce. 

Distilled water.50 ounces. 

has been proposed as a means of effectually preserving anatomical preparations. 

Benzine, oil of tar, or simply their emanations, have been found highly useful in 
preserving animal matter. Phenic acid water, which is composed of 

Phenic acid.1 ounce. 

Distilled Water.50 ounces. 

has proved to be a cheap and excellent substitute of alcohol for preserving by immer¬ 
sion specimens of natural history. Chloroform in water, in the same proportions 
given for phenic acid, has also given good results. 

Mr. Bellard, demonstrator of anatomy in the school of medicine, was requested to 
preserve the remains of a young man aged about 30, who died from hectic fever ; a 
special request was also made not to open the body, as the intention was to keep the 
remains in a glass case. The bowels were drawn out, opened and cleaned, through a 
small incision made in the abdomen ; through another incision made under the arm- 
pits, water Avas injected in the breast, and an opening cut in the posterior part of the 
head, the large vena cava and some of the superficial veins were opened, and as much 
as possible of the hlood was taken out, and the arteries Avere injected with a solution 













XXXIV 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


Utopia is the best fluid. 


E. R. INGALLS, Haverhill, Mass. 


I could not do without Utopia ; it is the best I ever used. 


S. F. FREY, Marietta, Pa. 


Having used Utopia for a year and a half I have found it successful 

D. D. O’MAHONEY, New York, N. Y. 


Uhave used Utopia and found it to be a good article. It is the best I ever used yet. 

PETER I. ZUGNER, New York, N. Y. 


We wish to make a few remarks in praise of your wonderful fluid, Utopia. We have used sev¬ 
eral different kinds of fluids, but have always found yours the tjest and most satisfactor^^ We men¬ 
tion a few cases. Mrs. Anne Murphy died on the 12th of August and was kept until the 23d of 
August in perfect lifelike condition. Another was IMrs. Jones Vonota. It was a singular case. 
She kept so natural for six days that, on arriving at the cemetery, burial was refused by the husband, 
who claimed she was not dead. It was only through the offlcers of the cemetery that he would have 
the body buried. ^Ye cannot say too much in praise of Utopia. 

ADAMS & POTENBERG, Indianapolis, Ind. 


We used Utopia on a body that weighed 650 pounds, October 22d; the casket w^as 3 feet wide 
by 5 feet 9 inches long, inside measure. October 26th we buried her; wmuld not have buried her so 
soon only at Milan, Ind,, they had no doors large enough to admit the casket ; her husband told me 
she looked better (and was perfectly embalmed) than when she died. Ten men was required to lift 
the body. It was lowered from the .second story of her dwelling by knocking out brickwork of the 
window ; had to use a derrick to lower her, and what do you think of it ? “Utopia ” was used. 

PYE & ERSCHELL, Newport, Ky. 


Dear Sirs :—At the time of death of my father, dying as he did of general dropsy, the body 
must have contained several gallons of effusion, and I feared the body would not be presentable on 
the day of the funeral. You will please accept my sincere thanks for the skillful manner in which 
you removed the effusion and so perfectly pre.served the body. I shall consider that I am doing a 
favor to any of my friends who may be bereft of dear ones by recommending 3 mu to them as a skill¬ 
ful undertaker. Dr. D. W. McNeal. 

This letter was sent to me from a practising physician in Chicago. His father died March 10th. 
He died in his chair, not having been in bed since November. The body was perfectly immense in 
size ; the skin was so full that it did seem as though it must burst; the water formed in sacks or 
blisters all over the body. I must have taken four gallons of water from the body. I used Utopia 
as I would water, very freel}". We buried the remains on Thursday in a ver^’- perfect state of pre¬ 
servation ; the countenance was very natural. I had three such cases last week, with perfect success. 
I shall never be able to repay you for manufacturing and putting upon the market that greatest pre¬ 
server of the dead, Utopia. 

M. F. RODGERS, Illinois. 


April 9th—I have just returned from the vault at St. Mary’s Cemetery and saw the body that I 
embalmed February 23d, and I find no change, except the eyes have sunken. This was a case of 
heart disease, and a very large body. The family was much surprised to see the body looking so 
lifelike. Utopia is doing splendid for me ; could not be better. 

M. E. NANGLE, Albany, N. Y. 


We have splendid success with Utopia in eveiy case. 

O. BOGARDUS & SON, Rossvilt.e, N. Y. 












The Embalmeks’ Epitome. 


XXXV 


of sublimate ; the cavities were filled with salt, and the body was macerated in a solu¬ 
tion of corrosive sublimate. Daring the first month, putrefaction exhibited itself at 
several points on the body. Some scarifications were made in those parts, and after two 
months the body was taken out of the bath. The weather being then warm and dry, the 
•corpse dried complete!}' in a few days. After one year, the body being kept in a glass case, 
did not emit any offensive smell or show any signs of alteration. The skin is of a gray 
color, but the features, especially the nose, mouth and cheeks, have shrunk greatly. 

Another case was treated in a dilferent manner. The viscera was removed through 
an incision inside the crest of the ilium on the right side, and bv cutting through the 
diaphragm. A small opening made on the posterior ])art of the head furnished the 
means for emptying the cranial cavity, by repeated injections ; the globe of the eye 
was emptied of its contents ; and all the cavities were filled with corrosive sublimate, 
the mouth being also filled with cotton and sublimate to prevent sinking of the cheeks ; 
the face was covered with several layers of bandages methodically applied, and the 
body was wrapped in several sheets, placed in a hogshead containing a saturated solu¬ 
tion of sublimate, and shipped to its destination. After a few months the body was 
found in a good state of preservation, and v.dien exposed to the air dried up in a short 
time ; artificial eyes were placed in the cavities ; the hair and beard were adhering 
firmly to the skin, and, when dressed, the body presented a very natural appearance. 
The body was placed in a glass case, and after the lapse of several years was still in a 
good state of preservation. Others, who have seen the body, do not seem to share' this 
enthusiasm about the apj^earance of the remains. It is claimed that the skin soon be¬ 
came of a dark brown color; that the cellular tissue had entirely disappeared, and that 
the skin stretched tightly over the angular part of the features, gave the body an 
appearance anything but natural. 

Third instance. Mr. Baudet, a druggist, was called upon to preserve the remains of a 
young girl 10 years old; the body was to be kept in a glass case. A bust of the child was 
made immediately after death, and artificial eyes, the exact counterpart of the natural ones, 
were selected. The viscera of the head and body were removed; all the cavities were filled 
with tow, and the openings closed by sutures. During the operation, the body had been 
imm'ersed, first in a bath of pure alcohol, then in a weak alcoholic solution of sublimate. 
The body was then placed in a bath of distilled water, saturated with corrosive sub¬ 
limate, and in which were suspended several small sacks containing sublimate, in 
order to keep the solution to the proper point of saturation. The body remained three 
months in the solution; 40 pounds of sublimate were used; and a large quantity of 
calomel, and also some metallic mercury were precipitated, perhaps owing in a great 
measure to the fact that the vessel containing the solution was of lead. 

After three months the body was withdrawn from the bath; care was taken to 
renew the padding process, where the parts had sunk over their cavities; the artificial 
•eyes were placed in their cavities; some part of the features, being somewhat altered 
by shrinkage, were mended in wax by a skillful operator; the hair was perfectly pre- 
•served and very natural, but as the skin had assumed a dark gray appearance, the face 
was adroitly painted of a natural color. 

We are* willing to admit that this process is a great improvement on those anterior 
to it. In place of the many substances formerly in use, and whose properties were 
badly understood, and even unknown, we have here a single substance possessing 
well determined properties which, being carefully studied, produced with certainty the 
results anticipated by the operator. 





XXXVI 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


1 have recommended Utopia highly ; it does give most satisfactory results. 

F. L. DISTELHURST, Pennsylvania. 


I am well satisfied with Utopia. 


R. S. CAIN, 'Washington, D. C. 


We cannot get along without Utopia. 


HINCKLEY & MITCHELL, ‘Rhode Island. 


We owe much of our wonderful success to the use of Utopia. It has not failed us in ono 
instance, and is positively the best fiuid. We use nothing else. 

OSTERHOUDT & BELCH, New Yokk. 


If you ever want a recommend for your fluid, Utopia, I can give you a good one, as I never 


lost a case with it. 


F. H. FENTON, New York. 


A brother undertaker had used properly a certain fluid that has a big reputation. The case was 
blood poison from childbirth, and it fell, to a certain extent, to pieces. I took hold of it to show 
him what Utopia was. The brother says that Utopia is as good a fluid as a man would want. 

G. H. MILLARD, Kansas City, Mo. 


Utopia is the only success in fluid we ever had ; we claim it is the best in use. 

J. FLICKINGER & SON, Columbiana, O. 


I shall ever stand by Utopia, recommending it as an excellent medium for its excellent preserva¬ 
tion of bodies. 


JACOB S. SECHLER, Philadelphia, Pa. 


Utopia gives satisfaction, and can say that I feel safe to use it in any case. I gave your fluid a 
severe test on a body that had dropsy and inflammation of the bowels, and Utopia did the work 
perfect. 

CHASE & CO., Watertown, N. Y. 


I have just kept a fleshy body through the recent wet and hot weather with no symptoms of 
decomposition. 


H. H. WOOD, Clinton. N. Y. 


I have had the best results in using your fluid above all others. 

W. D. NASH, Sandy Hill, N. Y. 

Utopia is the best fluid in the country. 

PARISH & SERVISS, Brandon, Vt. 


We embalmed a body with Utopia February 14th and shipped it to Oshkosh, Wis. It was 
placed in a vault there, and about April 10th was examined and found in a perfect state of preserva¬ 
tion. Have used Utopia generally and always found it satisfactory. 

COX & REED, Hastings, Neb. 


I have sent bodies embalmed with Utopia all through to the eastern states close to you, and 
all reports from their friends are always Look just like life.” Utopia is the thing if used right. 

GEO. U. WALLER, Ottawa, Kan. 


















The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


XXXVII 


Tf^ertise on E mb a Liming. 


FROM THE WORKS OF MONS. GANNAL. 

My researches, in the preservation of bodies for purposes of anatomical study, have 
led me to investigate the means of embalming tlie dead. In this latter instance the 
experiments required less time; and I have been able to vary and multiply them, until 
I feel now confident that I am actually in possession of perfect means of preservation. 

My process is simple; the matters used in the operation are non-poisonous, and 
therefore present little danger to the embalmer. In fact, and after several methods 
have been tried, I have adopted the following: I inject downwards, through one of the 
carotids, an aluminous salt, dissolved in water. A few quarts of the liquid are sufficient, 
and the body, even when exposed to the air, is preserved for a long time without 
putrefaction; but it sensibly dries up after a time and even mummifies. 

1 am using the acetate of alumina, prepared by decomposing the sulphate of alum¬ 
ina and potassa, by the action of acetate of lead. This acetate of alumina, employed 
at a density of 18 degrees by the areometer of Baume, and in a quantity of 5 or 6 
litres, is amply sufficient to preserve a body for five or six months. 

I have also used the simple sulphate of alumina to procure the acetate of this salt. 
With one kilogramme of the simple sulphate of alumina, 250 grains of acetate of lead 
and 2 litres of water, the necessary dose of liquid to preserve a body for four months is 
obtained. 

According to Mons. Gannal, sulphate of alumina alone, in the proportion of 1 kilo¬ 
gramme to 5 litres of water, would be amply sufficient to preserve a body for two 
months. 

By this method it has been demonstrated that a body can be preserved for two 
weeks, one month, or six weeks, more or less—according to the conditions of tempera¬ 
ture, the state of the body after death, and the quantity of liquid injected into the 
vessels. 

Examples: In the month of June the body of a man aged 22 years was injected 
with the fluid and laid on a table in a room facing the south ; putrefaction never made 
its appearance, but after three months the subject was rapidly mummifying. 

During the month of July eight bodies were treated in a similar manner, and re¬ 
mained perfect for fifteen days. In August and September more than sixty subjects 
were injected, with an average result of good preservation for twenty days. 

So far my system of embalming has fully demonstrated that bodies can be 
preserved at all seasons, under circumstances previously laid before the reader, free 
from all putrefactive odor and changes, and I may yet find some means whereby the 
dano-er from anatomical wounds may be altogether deprived of the fatal results usually 

attending. 

The acetate and the simple sulphate of alumina must be selected in preference to 
all substances heretofore used for the preservation of bodies, and these two salts can, 
when judiciously employed, fill all the requirements of the embalmer. 

But the following objectionable and serious features present themselves in bodies 
which have been iniected with one of the two salts. If they remain exposed to the 
















XXXVIII 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


Ice is a good thing, but not for preserving bodies ! Ice has to go wherever the virtues of 
Utopia are known. 


I never used any better than Utopia. It gave very good satisfaction. 

WILLIAM HENRY, Palmira. Pa. 


You can use my name as reference in regard to Utopia. 

R. J. DAVIS, Philadelphia, Pa. 


We claim the Utopia to be the best fluid we have ever used in our business, and we have tried 
nearly all of them, but Utopia is boss. 

J. FLICKINGER & SON, Columbiana, O. 


I have used Utopia for tlie -past two years, and have found it to surpass any other fluid on the 
market, and feel safe to recommend it in the highest terms. 

O. H. SWIFT, Atlanta, Ga. 


Utopia dii splendid work. 

CHAS. F. DOW, Athol, Mass. 


Utopia is doing good work. Have used it on every job, and have had good success. 

W. S. RECTOR, Genesee, N. Y. 


I wish to say that I am very much pleased with your fluid, Utopia. I have never experienced 
a failure with it. I embalmed the body of a Swede, drowned while intoxicated Nov. 13th, 1888, 
and kept it laying on a board until the middle of April, 1889. It was a iterfect success, there being^ 
no signs of decomposition. I could have kept him till now. I am sure, if I had not needed the room. 

S. B. HORTON, Greenpoint, N. Y. 


We kept the body of a lady who died in confinement, weighing 
condition. I think Utopia does all you claim for it. 


C. 


200 lbs., for four days in perfect 
SNYDER, Catasauqua, Pa. 


I have used your fluid Utopia and like it well. 

B. WINTERSTEIN, Reedsburgii, O. 


I find Utopia to be a very good fluid and have had success with it every time. 

JOHN H. HOECK, Baltimore, Md. 


I have had such good success with Utopia that I feel like complimenting you ; have u.sed it for 
two years and never had a failure with it. I think Utopia is the best fluid made, and your “ Derma’' 
comes next. 

STEPHENS & SON, Elkhart. Ind. 


I have been using Utopia for some time with the greatest satisfaction, 
it was a superior fluid. 

JOHN H. 


I became convinced that 
FOX, Savannah, Ga. 


Utopia is the best fluid I have ever used. I have at present the body of a young man in the vault 
that I embalmed six weeks ago, and it is in perfect preservation. I embalmed a lady with Utopia 
who died with dropsy—the worst I ever had, and she is nicely preserved. I can highly recommend 
Utopia. 


N. H. WILL AM AN, Massillon, O. 





















XXXIX 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


varjonsthermoiiietric iiiid liygroinetric influences of the atmosphere, they must undergo 
one or the other of the following changes : Either they desiccate rapidly when sub¬ 
mitted to the action, of dry and rpiick air, or else if exposed to a close and humid 
atmosphere, their color changes to a dark brown, they become covered with mould and 
soften ; without, however, emitting any offensive efllavia, or otherwise exhibiting 
symptoms of putrefaction. These transformations, to which cadavers were subject, 
became an obstacle to the application of my process of preservation to the embalming 
of bodies. The solution of the following problem presents itself : 1st—To preserve 
bodies in a perfect manner ; 2d—To preserve to them the appearance of sleep, or that 
which they presented immediately after death. 3d—Preservation should be complete 
for an unlimited period of time ; in other words, the embalming must be such as to* 
preserve the body in all its integrity, without any of the deep incisions formerly in use 
and presenting at any time required all the conditions for a forensic examination. 

After many ineffective attempts and repeated experiments, I succeeded at last in 
obtaining the results which at first baffled all my efforts. We will now see how well I 
have accomplished my object : 

On the 6th of March, 1837, I embalmed the body of Dr. Oudet. I injected eight 
litres of the liquid, whose composition shall be given hereafter, through the carotid 
artery ; in one-half hour the operation was completed and the body made ready for 
burial. On the 28th of May following, the body was exhumed in the presence of 
several physicians and the officials of the cemetery. The remains, which for three 
months had been buried in an ordinary wood casket, were so perfectly preserved that 
to all ap23earances life did not seem extinct, but presented all the symptoms of peace¬ 
ful slumber. 


Mons. Ganual always intended to kee}^ as ^^ersonal pro23erty the comjDosition of his 
preserving fluids and his mode of using them. He has freely given to us in his works 
the comjDOsition of the liquids which he recommended and used in the preservation of 
2 jieces of anatomy, and S23ecimens of natural history. But, as he himself admitted, the 
method he followed for the embalming of the dead being outside the domain of medi¬ 
cal science, he considered it, and justly so, as a means of su23port for his declining 
years, and therefore refused to give it 23nblicity. But, if no 230sthumous works con¬ 
nected with his discoveries a23peared, the information which we will place before our 
readers is derived from sources of indis23utable authority and were gathered from un¬ 
published documents found by, and still in possession of, the family, who, for some 
years after the death of Mons. Gannal, vainly endeavored to turn his discoveries to 
their own use and benefit, but the ill success attending some of their most important 
ventures caused them to abandon a pursuit the details of which they were ignorant. 
To Mons. Gannal we must, however, accord the honor of having greatly simplified the 
mode of 23 reserving the dead, of having substituted the injection of the arterial system 
to the repulsive and senseless evisceration and dee23 scarifications which, until his time, 
were recognized as an indispensable feature of successful embalming. 

The original method of Mons. Gannal simply consists in the following operation : 
The body is injected through the right carotid downwards, with 6 or 10 litres of the 
following solution, according to circumstances : 

Water, 40 litres ; saturated with 500 grammes of arsenious acid. In this solution 
are dissolved by heat equal parts of the sulphate and of the acetate of alumina, until 
the liquid attains a density of 20 degrees by the areometer of Ban me. 

This simple arterial injection, in the origin, constituted the whole process, but 









XL 


The Embalmeks’ Epitome. 


“ Do not put jour light under a bushel !” That is why we talk about “ Utopia.” 


We have tried other fluids, but Utopia is the best. 

DANTZLER & SMITH, Gpeenville, S. 0. 


I am not in the habit of going into ecstasy over every fluid that comes into the market, but I de¬ 
sire to say (unsolicited) that after using many of the leading embalming fluids, and finally having used 
Utopia for close on to three years, and none other in that time, I consider it the best in existence. 

A. EICKELBERG, New York,^ 
President of the N. Y. C. U. A. 


Adaline Jackson, aged 55 years, cause of death pneumonia, weight fully 
embalmed by Geo. M. Freeman with Utopia, and kept splendidly. 


500 pounds, was 
, New Jersey. 


We take the liberty of dropping you a few lines in praise of your wonderful fluid, Utopia. We 
have just completed a case of dropsy w^hich we held for two weeks with your fluid. It looked just 
as natural as when he died. We have been using several different fluids, and among them all we be¬ 
lieve yours to be the leader. In fact your fluid is always in the lead. 

CHARLES GIRTON, Indianapolis, Ind. 


I was called to take charge of the remains of a Frenchman who died after an illness of four days. 
He had been dead twenty-four hours ; was very badly discolored and purging, so that the matter had 
run through pillows and blankets to the floor. I injected, after relieving the body of all purging 
matter, the body with Utopia. The next day I found the discoloration removed and everything in 
perfect condition. I was very much pleased, and w^as ready to holler for Utopia. It has done all, 
and more, than I have ever asked of it. 

G. W. SCOVILLE, Norfolk, Conn. 


We have used Utopia for three years, during which time we have given some severe tests Never 
use an ice-box in the hottest weather, unless by request ; has always given perfect satisfaction. 
We claim the prize every time for Utopia. 

JEFFRI.es & KEATES, Atlantic City. 


Ever since I graduated from the United States College of Embalming I have had no failure. I 
embalmed the body of Charles Hauselt He was a very large man ; twenty-two inches across the 
shoulders and six feet long. He lay from Friday till Saturday. When I was called, his neck, ears 
and left side of the face was black and swollen out of shape, but with one gallon of your excellent 
Utopia I met with success beyond my expectations ; so much so that the family and their friends 
who viewed the body expressed their astonishment at the lifelike appearance of the remains. 

JOHN VAN STEENBURGH, New York. 


I am well pleased with Utopine and fixtures. Derma is something I have always needed and 
wanted. I gave both, with Utopia, a fair trial on a corp.?e the day received. Shipped to Georgia in 
excellent condition ; died of typhoid fever. I gave Utopia an outside trial from regular business of 
embalming. I was called as coroner four miles from town to a man dead in a well, killed by gas. 
After pouring nearly a half gallon of Utopia down in the well, over fifty feet deep, I sent a man 
down to tie a rope around the dead man, which he did ; did not feel any effects of gas, your Utopia 
having entirely destroyed the same. 

A. B. C. DORSEY, Gainesville, Ga. 


i i 


Belittling competition isn’t in it. Matchless quality is !” That is the record of “ Utopia.” 

















The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


XLI 


Mons. Gaunal afterwards found it necessary in some instances to practice an opening in 
the abdomen on the left side of the body, and to puncture the stomach and bowels in 
order to relieve them of the amount of gas they contained, and afterwards to inject 
them with the liquid. We have so far occupied ourselves in chronological order with 
the several and various modes of preservation for animal substances, from the time of 
the Egyptians until the middle of the present century. The following pages shall 
now be devoted to more modern methods and the new chemicals employed. 

The embalming of bodies, such as it was some years ago, and is even to the present 

practiced in Europe, had for a basis the property which tannin possesses of forming 
imputrescible compounds with animal substances. But the systems of Chaussier and 
Gannal have rendered tannin, as an antiseptic agent, an obsolete feature in embalming. 

This process of Chaussier, as modified by M. Boudet, was as follows : The viscera 
of the body and the brain were removed and preserved separately, and the cavities left 
by their removal filled with tow or cotton, saturated with an alcoholic solution of cor¬ 
rosive sublimate. While this operation was being performed, the body was plunged 
several times, alternately, into a bath of alcohol and in one of an alcoholic solution of 
corrosive sublimate ; afterwards the incisions incidental to the operation were closed 
by sutures ; and for three months the body was macerated in an aqueous solution of 
corrosive sublimate. The body was then taken out and suspended horizontally on a 
network of strong linen bandages, in a well ventilated place, and left to dry until com¬ 
plete desiccation. If necessary, the sides of the body were padded by some new addi¬ 
tion of tow in the interior to avoid any deformation. This process has among other 
' advantages upon the older ones, that of keeping the body free from all external envel¬ 
ope which might hide it from sight. 

But this method is not free from many objectionable jioints. In the first place, it re¬ 
quires a large quantity of a substance high in price and of rather dangerous manipulation; 
secondly, the operation is long, tedious and difficult; and last, the mutilation of the body 
strikes the relatives and friends with an unconquerable feeling of disgust and repugnance. 

The process of Gannal is founded upon the property of alumina to form an impu¬ 
trescible compound with the pre existing matter contained in all animal tissues. M. 
Gannal gives to the product of this combination the name of geline, because when 
submitted to the action of boiling water it forms gelatine. The embalming of bodies 
by this means is performed not only without any danger for the operator, but also at a 
small cost, as the substance employed does not command a high price. The time re¬ 
quired by the operation is comparatively of short duration, as a simple injection of the 
arterial system, and a short maceration are substituted to the removal of the viscera 
and the numerous incisions of the preceding mode of preservation. Moreover, the 
tissues by this process preserve their specific color and elasticity. This process consists 
in injecting into the arterial system a certain amount of a solution of sulphate of 
alumina. This injection is followed two or three days afterwards by a maceration of 
the body for two days into the same liquid. In certain works the composition of the 
liquid employed by M. Gannal is given thus : 

Common salt.1 pound. 

Alum.2 pounds. 

Saltpetre. 2 pounds. 

Water.gallons. 

In the competitive experiments which took place about twenty-five years ago in 
the presence of several prominent physicians, M. Gannal is said to have made use of 











XLIl 


The EmbalmePvS^ Epitome. 


Popuhirity is a fair test. “ Utopia” has no equal. 

We are glad to say that we are more than pleased with Utopia. We have given it a good test 
during the hot w’eather, and tind it all you can claim for it. 

LINNEMANN & MOORE, Covington, Ky. 


You make the best fluid I have ever used. I will get none but Utopia. 

N. F. MERRIAM, H.4GAMan s Mills, N. Y. 


During the hot weather I have given your fluid a fair and impartial trial, and I am very proud to 
say it has given perfect satisfaction. We only say that UT<miA only needs to be handled with the 
skill of a good embalmer. 

J. H. TAYLOR, Louisville, Ky. 


We have decided that Utopia is the best all around fluid on the market. 

CROSBY’S UNDERTAKING ESTABLISHMENT, Poughkeepsie, N. YL 


The body of the late Gen’l W. T. Sherman was in bad condition, the face strongly discolored, 
when I arrived there. But Utopia worked wonders ! The body, after traveling many miles, 
arrived in St. Louis in a perfect state of preservation. I take this opportunity to recommend Utopia 
to all who may be in need of a good preserver and bleacher, as its efficiency is wonderful. 

ROBERT WIGGER, New York. 


The body of Fred. Evans, “ the Astor House suicide,” was embalmed by me on 3d day of Feb¬ 
ruary ; it was buried two weeks afterwards ; it was exhumed on the 17th of March, and thanks to 
Utopia was found to be in perfect condition. Your fluid cannot be too highly recommended, as it is 
A. No. 1. 

R. DUFFY, New York. 

Press comments on above case : 

The body was well preserved —New York Tribune. 

The features were as perfect as on the day the body was buried, thanks to the embalming of 
Undertaker Duffy.— N. Y. World. 

The box itself containing the body was full of mud and water * * .—The Sun. 

" * * * showing that the embalming fluid had done its work wonderfully well, as the body 

was in as good condition as it was when it was buried .—New York Morning Journal. 


Miss Jessie Boust died Feb. 25th. She woxs found in her bed dead, her face distorted and black. 
Mr. E. K. Bright, undertaker, embalmed the corpse, making an incision in the arm, into which over 
a gallon of fluid was injected. That night the mother entered the parlor to look at the corpse, the 
skin being white as snow, and the cheeks a rosy red. The next day relatives and friends assembled 
for interment. The minister was ready to preach, when the announcement of the burial was declared 
off. It was caused by the belief that they thought Miss Boust w\as not dead. After some time the 
burial was decided upon. (From a Northumberland newspaper ) On inquiry about the facts Mr. 
E. K. Bright wrote as follows : Yours received ; would say, so far as the death of Miss Boust and 
time of burial is concerned, it is true, and the Utopia fluid was the fluid used. I use no other. Miss 
Boust was a fine specimen or subject, dying in health and remaining in that condition until she was 
buried. I have just been told by the father of a child that I buried the first of January (time of 
writing 26th of March), that he had raised it to put it m another lot, and the child wns as natural as 
the day we buried it. This speaks well for the fluid, whether the undertaker deserves any credit for 
his work or not. Hoping these statements will benefit 3 ’-ou in the sale of your fluid, I remain yours. 

Respectfully, 

E. K. BRIGHT, Northumberland, Pa. 


















The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


XLITI • 


an injecting solution composed of equal parts of the sulphate and the chloride of 
alumina, at a density of 34 degrees. Those who entered the lists against M. Gannal 
made use of : 1st, Mr. Dupre —Carbonic and sulphurous acid gas ; 2d, Mr. Sucquet— 
intioducing in the arteries, in the same manner as M. Gannal, a solution of chloride 

of zinc, marking 4 degrees Baume. It must be remembered here that Mr. Sucquet was 
the successful competitor. 

baltpetre, dissolved in a quantity of water sufficient to indicate 10 degrees of den- 
sity, injected in the bodies, is a good preservative, when the bodies are immersed in a 
bath of the same solution ; tut this becomes powerless when the temperature rises 
above 10 degrees centigrade. For a higher temperature the liquid must be mixed by 
heat, as then the solution becomes saturated with a larger quantity of salts, when the 
liquid is injected in a warm state. 

Amongst the saline substances which have given me the most satisfactory results, 
the deliquescent salts of alumina appear to deserve the preference. The acetate and the 
chloride of alumina have proved completely satisfactory. Thus, a mixture of chloride 
of alumina at 20 degrees, and of acetate of alumina at 10 degrees, injected in a body, 
constitutes about the best means at present in our possession for the embalming of bodies. 

Xow that I have explained the action of chemical agents upon animal substances, 
I shall enter upon the details of my experiments. 

1st case.—A cadaver was immersed in a bath containing a solution marking 10 
degrees—of two parts of alum, two parts of common salt, and one part of saltpetre. 
This subject was examined several times, and appeared to be well preserved After 
about six weeks the body was opened, the tissues and the viscera were found in good 
condition, but circumstances rendered it impossible to prolong the examination. 

2d case.—Two subjects were, November 12, 1834, introduced into a bath of the 
above solution, and on the 2d of December they were dissected. 

On the same day another subject was injected with eight litres of the solution ; 
and at the end of the month the three subjects were still in a good state of preserva¬ 
tion. However, it was noticed that the tissues were becoming very dry, and the color 
had changed; but the deep-seated organs which had not come in immediate contact 
with the liquid presented no alteration whatever. Towards the end of the month 
of March one of these subjects was injected with a fatty substance, colored; then it was 
made evident that the smallest arterial vessels had been penetrated by the injection. 

These experiments, which lasted until the middle of May, proved sufficiently that 
an injection of the saline fluid as given above, followed by an immersion of the body 
in the same liquid for ten or fifteen days, was sufficient for the preservation of bodies 
for the work of dissection, and for several months. 

3d case.—On the 7th of Augusta subject was injected with the usual solution 
at 12 degrees, and immersed in a bath of the same liquid. Eight days afterward the 
body was greatly swollen with an accumulation of gases to such an extent that it became 
impossible to keep it from floating on the surface of the bath; it was taken out, and 
placed upon a table, when decomposition seemed to be arrested; the evolution of gases 
ceased, but a great quantity of liquid mixed with blood escaped. It was then that the 
body, which had gradually changed to a brown color, commenced to dry up rapidly; 
but it was also observed that during that time there was no odor of putrefaction. 

Another subject injected with the same liquid, and allowed to remain on a table 
without being immersed, was decomposed after five days. But the temperature of the 
atmosphere was then between 84 and 88 degrees above zero. 







XLIV 


The Embalmeks’ Epitome. 


“ Utopia,” the conqueror of the ice-box. 


We have just received a letter to-day, August 28th, from an undertaker in Iowa regarding a 
body shipped on the lOlh of August. He says : “ The corpse was in excellent condition when it 
reached here. The funeral was on the 15th. The wife expressed herself as very much pleased at 
the manner in which the body was preserved.” 

WYLIE & BARCLAY, Atlanta, Ga. 


1 received enclosed letter a few days since ; 
Utopia, as that is the fluid that I used. 


it made me feel good, and I want to divide it with 
G. W. SCOVILLE, XoKFOLK, Conn. 


Thinking you would like to know the result of your work in the case of Louis Bristol, would 
say the remains were in the same condition as when received. The family w'ere very much pleased 
with the way the body was preserved, and many remarked on the lifelike appearance of the deceased. 

CAULKINS & PRENTIS, Xew London, Conn. 


I have been using Utopia for the past three years and find it suits me very well, having had suc¬ 
cess with it in every case. 


EDW. GORDON, New Yoke. 


I have used Utopia and find it to be a good article in every respect. 

F. W. TRAUGOTT, New York. 


I would recommend Utopia as the fluid in all cases. 


P. H. GILBERT, Ohio. 


Your Utopia is tine, and does the work to my entire satisfaction. 


P. A. McGill, Marlboro, Mass. 


Utopia is the fluid I mean to use in all cases where embalming is done. 

C. F. DOW, Orange, Mass. 


I wish to congratulate you on the superior qualities of Utopia. I can safely recommend it to all 
embalmers as a thoroughly reliable fluid. 


JOS. M. POUCH, Brooklyn, N. Y. 


I gave Utopia a trial, which proved successful, 
than satisfied with Utopia. 


I was always a-man, but am now more 

JOSEPH B. HICKEY, Altoona, Pa. 


I would say I have had good success with your Utopia, and can recommend it to all hands. 

F. J. STADER, Latrobe, Pa. 


I have been using Utopia ever since 1887, and have always had the very best results. 

S. J. LUCKINGS, New York, N. Y. 


Your fluid, Utopia, cannot be praised too highly ; it will give the best results in all cases, if 
properly uced. 


JACOB WRIGHT, Tacony, Pa. 




















The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


XLV 


On the 8th of August a subject was injected with the liquid at a density of 30 
degiees, to acquire which it became necessary to heat the mixture to 90 degrees Fahr., 
so as to obtain it in a more concentrated form. This body was well preserved, and was 
used for the purposes of the dissecting room until the end of December. 

These vaiious experiments confirmed my already formed opinion that this solution, 
which fully answered the purpose during the winter, was useless in the summer, or at 
a temperature beyond 62 degrees Fahr. 

Then, the results which I obtained in several instances with the same solution, at 
a gieater degree of density, clearly pointed out to me the path I must follow. 

I have already stated that, when brought in contact with animal substances, alum 
was decomposed; the geline combines with the alumina, and sets free the sulphuric 
acid, which produces an alteration of the tissues. This decided me to seek for another 
salt of alumina, containing more base, and an acid less powerful. 

On the 16th of August I injected a subject with 8 litres of acetate of alumina, at 
a density of 20 degrees. This body, placed u23on a table without any other preparation, 
kept perfectly for one month; at the end of that time the nostrils, the eyelids and the 
lobes of the ears commenced to show signs of desiccation; also the hands and feet. 
To remedy this, I applied a coat of varnish on one-half of the subject. At the end of 
sixty days it became apparent that this part of the body, which had remained exposed 
to the air, gradually shrunk and dried up, whilst those parts which had been varnished 
were still in a good state of preservation. 

A Mr. Piory had indicated a means of preserving bodies. This consisted in sur¬ 
rounding the subject with sheet tin, then swathing it in linen bands, and afterward 
copiously varnishing the whole. This method has proved very satisfactory on a 
subject which had been previously injected with a solution of acetate of alumina. 

Another subject was injected with the chloride of alumina. This injection was 
not very successful ; and, on three other bodies, the same obstacles were encountered, 
owing to the fact that the liquid contained in the syringe having been pushed into the 
arteries the circulatory system became obliterated during the time required to fill the 
syringe with a fresh quantity of liquid, to such an extent that the combined efforts of 
two men proved futile in endeavoring to force more fluid into the arterial system. 

At a density of 20 degrees, the chloride of alumina possesses so great an affinity 
for water that it absorbs instantaneously that which is contained in the organs. How¬ 
ever, those parts of the body which the injections had penetrated were for a long time 
extremely well preserved, and the muscles especially had not sustained any dis¬ 
coloration. 

I have injected another subject with the same salt in solution, at a density of 8 
degrees ; but after one month the body was in a state of decomposition. 

Last, I injected another body with 1 litre of the chloride solution at 10 degrees, 
and with 6 litres at 20 degrees. This subject kept well; but the parts which had not 
been dissected were diied up after five months. 

A mixture of 3 litres of acetate of alumina at 10 degrees, and 3 litres of the chlo¬ 
ride at 20 degrees, injected either through the aorta or the carotid artery, has given 
splendid results. 

I have also repeated the experiment of Dr. Franchina, of Naples, which consisted 
in injecting a solution composed of 2 pounds of arsenic in 20 litres of water—or better, 
alcohol. 

For the space of eight days the body remained intact; but after that time it 






XLVI 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


One thing is sure ; “ Utopia ” stands the hardest kinds of tests. 


We are having excellent results with Utopia. 

PORTER FURNITURE AND UNDERTAKING COMPANY, Greeksburg. Ind. 


Utopia is prime, A 1 goods, and will do all you claim for it 

FRED. J. JOYCE, Unadilla, N. Y. 


Utopia does its work wonderfully. I have found it to be the best fluid on the market, and 
never shall want anything else but Utopia. 

JOHN BUCZYNSKI, Winona, Minn. 


Utopia gives me good satisfaction. It keeps bodies as good as high-priced fluids. 

H. BALDWIN, Oxford, Mich. 


Utopia is giving entire satisfaction. It does its work excellently in warm weather ; no blisters. 

GEO. W. CARE, Philadelphia, Pa. 


We cannot help speaking very highly of your fluid. A lady died on the 18th of this month and 
was buried on the 23d, and we had some very war.u weather and a couple of thunderstorms in the 
meantime. I think if your fluid is used the right way it will give perfect satisfaction. 

CHAS. SNYDER, Catasauqua, Pa. 


Have been using some of-fluid ; it does good work, but Utopia does better. 

GEO. F. BARKER, Richmond, Ind. 


I saw the body you embalmed several mouths after it was placed in the vault and found it was 
well preserved, and the chances are that it will keep for years. 

FRANK L. TETMORE, M. D. 


If any one wishes to know the merits of Utopia you can refer them to me. 

JOSEPH MARFING, Brooklyn, N. Y. 


I have used Utopia, and And it superior to all others ; in fact I use no other. 

V. ZIMMERMAN, Rochester, Ind. 


We are using Utopia and like it. It has done good work every time. We have had failures 
with some fluids, but Utopia has proveu reliable every time so far. 

W. & J. GRINDELLj Platteville, Wis. 


I have used Utopia for the past two years with great success. 

D. T. BOWEN, Pine Bush, N. Y. 


I embalmed Moses Preston with Utopia, and had grand success, as I have had with all other 
cases. I consider Utopia the best fluid that embalmers can use. 

JOHN A. VAN STEENBURGH, N. Y. 





















The Embalmeks’ Epitome. 


XLVII 


became gradually desiccated, although placed in a very damp location, and alongside 
of ah open hydrant. Five weeks afterward it was found useless for dissection ; and 
after two weeks longer it was completely mummified. 

I believe that preserving bodies by means of an arsenical solution is really danger¬ 
ous to the operator. Dr. Pierson, and also two of his colleagues, claimed to have felt 
very ill after preparing two bodies with that solution, and attributed this to the amount 
of arsenic they absorbed during the operation. 

As an evidence of the dangers attending the manipulation of this salt, I must 
state that dead flies, in countless numbers, are found on the bodies preserved by arsen¬ 
ical substances. This fact is doubtlessly owing to the generation of arseniated hj^dro- 
gen gas, whose effect is well known on the animal economy. 

At this period of my labors I had already ascertained that the means which had at 
first given me good results became insufficient under a change of surrounding condi¬ 
tions ; that the salt of alumina, of which I made use for injections, did not contain 
enough of the basic salt itself; that the preservation of bodies became uncertain at a 
certain degree of temperature ; and that I had found in the acetate of alumina the pro¬ 
sier substance for eminently anti-putrid injections. 

One of the main obstacles to an exhaustive study of anatomy among the ancients 
Tvas not onl}^ the idea of uncleanliness attached to the handling and dissection of the 
dead, or the difficulty of procuring materiaF; but it was the almost absolute impossi¬ 
bility of preserving cadavers for dissection. 

Aristotle, to whom Phillip, King of Macedonia, had furnished all facilities for the 
dissection of animals, and who must necessarily have collected numerous specimens, 
does not mention in his works by what means he preserved animals which were not 
immediately dissected ; and Galien, in his works on anatomical preparations, refers in 
a few words only as to his means of preservation, which appear to have been simply 
the maceration of the specimens in preserving liquids. 

Cuvier, speaking of the progress of natural sciences, tells us that the discovery of 
alcohol has most contributed to their advancement. There is certainly cause for 
astonishment when we compare the means now employed for the preservation of 
animals in our musems of zoology and anatomy and those during the time of Cuvier. 
In the face of all preceding statements made, our readers must apprehend that the 
vast improvements which have taken place during the last decade are chiefly subser¬ 
vient to the facts that more powerful fluids have been discovered, and also better 
understood, and more complete appliances have replaced the rather crude and primi¬ 
tive implements of our predecessors. 






XLVIII 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


Out of pure superiority “ Utopia” beats all embalming fluids. 


I consider Utopia a perfect fluid, meeting all requirements of the modern funeral director. It 
is a splendid preservative, good bleacher, and does not cause the hands to itch, and burn as some 
fluids do. 

FRED. J. JOYCE, Unadilla, N. Y. 


I am pleased to say to you that I have had great satisfaction in using your Utopia fluid. I think 
it excels all others. 


JOS. KENNEDY, New York. 


Having used Utopia in very bad cases, I am convinced that it will do all that is claimed for it. 

W. H. OPLINGER, Wadsworth, O. 


I beg to inform you of three remarkably bad cases that where preserved by your Utopia, which 
I consider the leader. One case was that of a young man who had been shot. I had to keep the 
body five days, but with Utopia I had no trouble, although it was the worst case I ever handled. 
The other two cases were those of a young couple who were drowned. The bodies had been in 
water a long time and were in a sickening state. I used one gallon on each of Utopia and four hours 
afterward they were as natural as life. Never had such success in my life as with your Utopia. In 
my opinion it is always the leader. 

JOSEPH F. FITZHUGH, Ind., Embalmer for CHAS. GIRTON. 


I cannot afford to be without Utopia. 

JOHN C. McLaughlin, Newark, n. j. 


Was called to prepare a severe case July 12th, that had died from cancer of the face; cancer had 
destroyed one side of the face entirely. The body had been dead several hours and was in a very 
bad and offensive condition ; have not had a worse case in thirteen years of constant experience. 
Used three quarts of Utopia in cavity and arteries ; did not see the body again till funeral took place, 
July 16th. All pronounced it in fine condition. Removed face-cap and glass and there was not a 
particle of offensive odor. The weather was very hot. 

HEEGE & DELANY, Independence, Ia. 


I am well pleaped with Utopia. I had recently two bad cases, and with any of the ordinary 
fluids I would have had trouble to keep them, but with Utopia they were preserved in the best con¬ 
dition. 

ANTON SENN, Toledo, O. 


I send you a notice, the same was published in the Moscow Mirror: The case was a bad one of 
Bright’s Disease, and I used the never failing Utopia. 

FRANK O. WILLIAMS, Moscow, Idaho. 


Utopia has given me great satisfaction. 


C. P. JACKSON, New York. 


I have used Utopia for three years without a failure. 

PETER HEATH, Lambertville, N. J. 


Please send me-gallons of the best fluid on the market, Utopia. 

F, A. McGill, Marlboro, Mass. 















The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


XLIX 


A Florentine process of Embalming 
AND Preparatory Experiments. 

EXPERIMENTS. 

Two subjects were placed in a vat filled with a solution containing of alum and 
salt each two parts, and saltpetre one part. The water which contained these salts in 
solution was in quantity sufficient to indicate a density of 15 degrees; as, according to 
Dr. Venali, the liquid to be effective must mark 7 or 8 degrees in the winter, and 12 
or 15 degrees in the summer. 

After two months of maceration the bodies were taken out for dissection. Exteri¬ 
orly the appearance was the same, and when open the tissues were also found in good 
preservation and well adapted to the work of dissection. Other subjects, which had 
been placed in the same liquid on December 2d, were still being dissected four months 
afterwards without exhaling any offensive odor, or being much desiccated. 

A subject was injected through the left ventricle of the heart with eight litres of 
the liquid, which eight days afterwards was followed by another injection of fatty col¬ 
ored substances; and, after two months, the body was found so well preserved that it 
was used for the purpose of anatomical studies several months afterwards. The doctor 
says: 

In the course of my experiments, I often desired to ascertain the length of time 
a body could resist putrefaction after being removed from the preserving mixture and 
leaving exposed to the putrid emanations of other cadavers. 

Accordingly, a subject was taken out of the bath after two weeks of maceration and 
placed upon a table with other bodies not similarly treated. After fifteen days putre¬ 
faction had made no sensible progress, but the muscles commenced to desiccate 
and almost mummify, whilst the tissues which had not come in contact with the 
liquid or which had not been exposed to the air, were still in a condition to allow 
a critical anatomical analysis. It is necessary to add that the liquid, when brought 
in contact with the tissues, alters their natural color, but the deep-seated organs 
are not affected in the same manner. However, the resistance of the fibrous part 
of the organs is much less than in a subject which has been dead only twenty four 
or forty-eight hours. It is also well to remark that under no circumstances have scari¬ 
fications been made on the body to favor the penetration of the liquid into the tissues. 
The cranium had not been opened to facilitate the infiltration of the liquid into the 
brain matter; and stiff, after more than two months of immersion into the fluid, the 
brain, when removed from the cranial cavity, could be stiff used for demonstrations, 
although impro]3er for exhaustive studies. 

Experiments, subsequently conducted to ascertain the results thus obtained by a 
simple maceration of the bodies, have failed to verify the assertions made by Dr. 
Venali, and it is now known that the bodies were previously injected before being placed 
in the bath, and that the liquid contained a large proportion of corrosive sublimate. 

After these numerous trials the following questions were yet unsolved : 1st. How 
long is it possible to prolong this preservation of bodies ? 2d. At what tempeiature 

does preservation become impossible ? 





L 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


“ To err is human,” but errors iu judgment in the selection of a high grade embalming fluid can 
be avoided by purchasing the old.reliable “ Utopia,” 


Utopia is by no means a stranger to us, for we have used it for some time and know it to be no 
experiment, but an honest and reliable fluid. We used it last vreek iu preparing the remains of a lady 
who died with dropsy, and whose remains were sent to Montana for burial. We kept her for a full 
week. When the relatives arrived she was looking as natural as in life and they were greatly pleased 
at what we had done. The husband is going to write us as to how she looked at the end of their long 
journey, but we feel confident that Utopia had done its work well. 

JAMESON & STULL, North-East, Pa. 


Dr. Allen Hagenbuck died of consumption, and I received the body iu a rude coffin three days 
after he died. The whole corpse was in an advanced stage of decomposition ; the neck, chest and 
abdomen were greatly distended with gases, and everything was getting quite green. After remov¬ 
ing the gases your Utopia fluid was injected. Two days afterwards the body w^as laid out in a 
handsome cloth covered casket, the body having been restored to its natural condition and appearance. 
A very large number of friends viewed the body and sat in the parlor where the body was without 
noticing any odor whatever. To quote the language of a man who saw the body in both conditions : 
“ I don’t see how' the undertaker could ever do such a thing.” The family, of course, praise me very 
highly, and I am equally high in the praise of Utopia. 

CHAS. LARAMY, Bethlehem, Pa. 


We have been using Utopia for nearly two years in both cavity and arterial work and found it 
equal to every emergency. We kept a case of peritonitis (in very bad condition we received it) from 
Monday until the following Saturday, in very warm weather, and upon the day of the funeral it was 
in perfect condition, In this case we only injected the cavities. Another case, an old colored man 
dying of dropsy and lying more than two days before we saw him. It was in a fearful condition- 
abdomen distended, purging from mouth and nose, smelling horribly. Treated it with both arterial 
and cavity process, drawing water and gases away previous to injecting. Kept him two days longer 
and had it in first-class condition. We cannot speak too highly in the praise of Utopia. 

J. S. RODGERS & SON, Hkightstown, N. J. 


I find your Utopia to give the very best satisfaction of any fluid I ever used, and I have tried 
quite a number. I embalmed a very bad case a few days ago, and kept the body for almost a week, 
and it was perfect—it was a very fine job : also kept a difficult case for three weeks in a vault. When 
the casket lid was removed the body was in a perfect state of preservation I also kept a very bad 
case of typhoid fever last week, and numerous other cases I could mention. I am depending on 
Utopia entirely, as I don’t own an ice box. 

W. J. RULE, Phil A., Pa. 


Enclosed find clipping from the Gainesville Eagle, relating to embalming of Mr. Hirsch, April 
12th. He was buried the 22d at Chicago :— 

“ * * * The corpse, on its arrival in Chicago, was found to be in an excellent state of 

preservation, owing to the perfect manner in which it had been embalmed by Mr. A. B. C. Dorsey, 
Gainesville’s expert embalmer and funeral director. ♦ ♦ ♦ » 

I had a case last Saturday ; a large man died of apoplexy ; had been dead some twelve hours 
before I arrived ; had turned very dark. By the use of Utopia I restored him to his natural color and 
kept him finely. 


A. B. C. DORSEY, Gainesville, Ga. 














The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


Lr 


And could this process permit of preserving bodies during the summer, in num¬ 
bers sufficient to supply medical colleges during the ^vinter; and if cadavers thus pre¬ 
served may not become a cause of disease for those employed in their dissection ? 

To answer all these questions fully would have required more various and lengthy 
•experiments, and on a greater number of objects than could be procured. 

ANOTHER PROCESS. 

An incision five or six inches in length is cut transversly from right to left in the 
abdominal region, over the stomach, about one inch below the curvature of the lower 
ribs. Through this opening are revealed the stomach on the left and the liver on the 
right of the body, the transverse colon in the middle and the small intestines below. 

If the stomach is found inflated with gas, or filled with some liquid or solid sub¬ 
stance, it must be opened, its contents allowed to escape, and it must also be injected. 
After the stomach has been emptied it is filled with the embalming fluid. 

The small intestines must be gently and carefully drawn out, and allowed to lay on 
the right side of the abdomen; this will reveal in the abdominal region a cavity which 
. may or may not be filled with serum, according to circumstances. At any rate, 
should there be any liquid, it must be carefully pumped out or sponged off until per¬ 
fectly dry. 

The cavity is then to be sprinkled heavily with tannic acid. The small intestines 
must then, and before being replaced, be next attended to. If inflated with nothing 
but gas, a simple puncture at different points, so as to favor the escape of the gas, and 
.a moderate injection through the aperture, will suffice. 

If, however, the intestine should be found congested with blood or some other sub¬ 
stance, the contents must be emptied by the following method : Seize firmly, between 
the two forefingers of the left hand, the intestine, at the lowest point you can reach, 
and with the right hand draw the intestine through the fingers of the left; this will 
have the effect of forcing the contents of the intestine forward in front of the fingers 
of the left hand. After the matter has so accumulated that the progress is impeded, 
•the intestine must be cut, the matter extracted, the part which has thus been emptied 
injected with the embalming fluid, and then tied up. This operation must be repeated 
until the whole of the intestines, small and large, have been emptied and injected, 
and then the whole is to be replaced into the cavity. About one pint of the embalm¬ 
ing fluid must be poured over the intestines, and the wound neatly sewed together. 
It may be found necessary before closing the opening to lay a thickness of cotton bat¬ 
ten over the bowels and under the walls of the abdomen. 

Should the lungs be congested with blood, they must be emptied. This object 
may be attained either by pressing upon the lower part of the thorax, which will have 
the effect of forcing the'blood out through the nostrils and mouth. The injection of 
the thoracic cavity can also be performed through the same opening. The utmost 
•caution must be used in perforating the diaphragm, as some of the arteries might be 
wounded by a careless use of the knife. 

The above operation may be performed before closing the wound in the abdomen, 
^or replacing the intestines, as it will be easier to collect the serous fluid. The lungs 
should in all cases be well injected, either through the trachea or by the process given 
above. 

The arterial system is next to be injected, but previous to it, the external jugular 
veins on each side of the neck are punctured, and the blood allowed to flow freely. 






LII 


The Embalmeiis’ PIimtome. 


[FROM THE SUNNYSIDE.j 

SPLENDID EMBALMING. 

Isaiah T. Ryan, of Philadelphia, Receives Many Testimonials to His 
Skill and Care in Preparing the Remains of a 
Railroad Disaster for Interment. 

The popular and well-kDown professional of Philadelphia, Pa., Isaiah T. Ryan, who had charge 
of the preparing for burial of the unfortunate victims in the Manayunk Tunnel railroad disaster, on 
October 24th, has received warm words of praise from the relatives of those who were killed, for the 
careful and painstaking manner in which he performed his duties. All of the bodies were badly 
mangled, but notwithstanding this fact, and although he did not receive them until eight or ten hours 
after the accident, he succeeded, by his knowledge of the art of embalming, in restoring them to a 
life-life appearance, and when shipped the next day to their several homes, they were in a splendid 
state of preservation. 

Following are a few of the testimonials which Mr. Ryan has received : 

Reading, Pa., Nov. 10, 1892. 

Please accept the thanks of myself and family for the manner in which you prepared the body 
of my late husband, and also accept thanks for your very valuable .services in helping to get the 
injured to the hospital so quickly and tenderly. Very respectfully, 

MRS. HIRAM GOTTSOHALL. 


Harrisburg, Pa., Oct. 31. 1892. 

The body of the Hon. David S. Hess arrived here on the 26th and was buried the next day at 2^ 
o’clock. The body was in a perfect state of preservation, and the family was very much pleased with 
everything that was done. Respectfully yours, 

JOSEPH J. OGELSBY, Funeral Director, 111 N. Second street. 

Tam AQUA, Pa. 

The body of James Kilrain reached here in very good order. The family were well satisfied, and 
I do not think there could be any complaints, as everything was done with neatness and care. 

Sincerely yours, 

E. J. KELLY, Undertaker. 

Reading, Pa. 

The body of John Steitf reached me in first-class condition and was buried Thursday, 27th, at 
1:30. The family and myself were very much pleased. Please let me know if you did cavity or 
arterial work. Fraternally yours, 

HUNTER HENNINGER. 

P. S.—The Boynton family were also loud in their praise of you for the manner which you sent 
the body of James Boynton. Very truly, 

_WILL. O. STEIFF. 

Minersville, Pa. 

The body of Ellen Devine looked very well on the day of funeral, 28th, and everything was 
very satisfactory. The body of Annie Atkinson was also in perfect preservation. 

Yours truly, E. HUMMEL, Undertaker. 

Auburn, Pa. 

We wish to thank you more than these few words can express, for the very nice and perfect 
manner you prepared the body of Thomas A. Welsh and sent it to his bereaved home. Everything 
was of the best, and he looked more like sleeping than dead. Very sincerely, 

HIS MOTHER AND BROTHER. 


It is only fair to state that Mr. Ryan’s success is due, in part, to that celebrated embalming fluid, 
Utopia, which he used in all of the above cases. 















The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


LIII 


The femoral artery is the one selected in this process for injection ; at a point 
below the arch, about eight inches from and below Poiipart’s ligament. After the 
arteiy is laised to the surface, a small incision is made through its coats, large enough 
to admit the nozzle of the injector, which is pushed upwards into it as far as necessary; 
the arteiy is firmly fastened around it, and the injecting of the fluid begins. 

On the manner of injecting the fluid depends in a great measure the success of 
the operation. 

The injection should be performed slowly and regularly ; and after about a pint 
of fluid has been injected, the operation should be suspended for about ten minutes, 
after which it is to be resumed in the same manner, until a gallon and a half or two 
gallons of fluid have been injected. 

The jugular veins are to remain opened so long as the flow of blood continues, 
but they must be closed as soon as the embalming fluid makes its appearance. This 
process is very complete, but requires lacerations too large and numerous to be accept¬ 
able. However, and in extreme cases, it must prove very reliable, especially if the 
splenic artery is used instead of the femoral, for injecting the fluid. 

SEVERAL PROCESSES OF PRESERVATION WHICH, ALTHOUGH OBSOLETE, 

PRESENT SOME VERY USEFUL SUGGESTIONS. 

Locanu, in his researches on the preservation of bodies for the purpose of anatomi¬ 
cal studies, has thus described his process : 

The body of a man aged thirty-three years, who died of typhoid fever, was brought 
in for dissection. The external appearance of the corpse presented marks of dissolu¬ 
tion. The abdomen, already slightly tinged with greenish streaks, was distended with 
gas ; the neck and lower part of the face showed unmistakable signs of swelling, and 
the evolution of internal gases caused a frothy mucus to appear at the corners of the 
mouth ; the popliteal artery was uncovered and the canula of a syringe containing ten 
centilitres introduced into the vessel. Five litres of a fluid composed of equal parts 
alcohol, water and glycerine, holding one-fourth part carbolic acid in solution, were 
thus injected into the body. Glradually the abdomen resumed its normal size, the_ 
bluish green tint of the skin faded perceptibly. At the seventh litre of the liquid 
thus injected, about eleven grammes of mucus were ejected from the mouth. The 
operation was then suspended, and the artery firmly tied up. The canula of the 
syringe was inverted, and the lower limb treated in a similar manner. On the next 
day the incipient swelling of the head and neck had disappeared, and the discoloration 
on the abdomen was scarcely visible. 

There are modifications in the processes used for the preservation of bodies, which 
are governed by circumstances affecting the different conditions of the body at the time 
of death. Although we may give general rules for the quantity and variety of anti¬ 
septics used in embalming, there are certain cases where the quantity of the chemicals 
which enter into the composition of the injecting fluid must be either increased or cur¬ 
tailed, as well as the amount of the injection. 

The mode of operation in all cases may be the same, but the nature and quantity 
of the injection will vary—first, with the climatic circumstances of the atmosphere; 
second, with the cause of death ; third, with the age of the deceased ; fourth, with 
the state of the body after death ; fifth, with the length of time which has el ipsed 

since death took place. 






Liy 


The E^ibalmees’ Epitome. 


Popularity is often founded on sentiment, but the popularity of “ Utopia” is based on merit. 


* * * It was then nearly three days after taking the body from the water that Mr. James 

McGowan undertook to embalm it. Next day the body was viewed by thousands of people. During 
the week it remained in the store, surprise and astonishment were depicted on each feature as thej^ 
gazed on the life-like appearance of the dead. Mr. McGowan always uses Utopia fluid. He used 
Utopia on above ca.se, and preserved his subject with the result given. 

R. J. McGowan & son, New York. 

—Extract from the Swmyside, January, 1893. 


I have used Utopia for over a year, and it has given the best satisfaction, even in the worst 
cases, consequently I want no other. 

G. F. WALKER, Baltimore, Md. 


We have used Utopia for the past two years, and have tested it to our satisfaction. We swear 
by any case we treat with Utopia as a preservative, 

DUFF & OLDROYD, Arkansas City, Kans. 


We have used Utopia for years, and want no other. 


RYE & ERSCHELL, Newport, Ky. 


“And still Utopia triumphs over decay.” 

FRANK M. FAIRCHILD, Brooklyn, N. Y. 


“ Have used Utopia for more than two years and have received splendid satisfaction. Could, 
not get along without it.” 


W. H. OPLINGER, Wadsworth, O. 


Enclosed please find a letter, sent to me for a body I embalmed, and sent over a thousand miles 
(48 hours on the railroad), he was buried on the seventh day, and I think nothing of it. I send this 
because I read so much “ brag” in the trade papers about other fluids and their great successin embalm¬ 
ing. This is only one of more than a score of letters which I received, as I have the opportunity as 
Coroner of Hudson County very often. 

G. A. BEYER, Union Hill, N. J. 

Mr. Gustave A. Beyer : 

Deal' Sir —The body of the late Dr. Day arrived in Chicago in very good shape, in fact it looked 
better than it did when we opened the coflin at the depot. I write this for your information and to 
keep my promise good. Very respectfully, A. J. MAIS. 


I have been much pleased with everything received, and your fluid, Utopia, gave pefect satis¬ 
faction last summer. On no account would I venture to make a change. I know not what failure 
is in using it. 

EZRA W. LEWIS, Nantucket, Mass. 


“ Utopia,” as well as one of the graduates of the United States College of Embalming, comes 
once more to the front—always successful. The enclosed copy of letter we received from Denton, 
Texas, speaks for itself. The subject weighed over 225 pounds ; cause of death—apoplexy. It 
traveled three full days. Brother Smitz is one of the leading embalmers of Denton : 

, “ G. Chandler Paul & Son, Philadelphia, Pa., 

“ The body of Eugene K. Fritzlen, embalmed by you with Utopia fluid, arrived here in a first- 
class condition, having a perfect life-like appearance and being well preserved. The relations and 
friends of the deceased were well satisfied in every respect. Your work was well done, especially 
so when taking into consideration the subject in question, and the cause of death. 

“ J. B. SMITZ, Denton, Texas.” 
















The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


LV 


It has been demonstrated that a high temperature is conducive to rapid decompo¬ 
sition of organic matter ; also, that a warm, moist atmosphere will act in a similar 
manner ; it becomes, therefore, somewhat important to keep the body in a cool, well- 
^ entilated place, if possible, until the operation is ended. It is well known that the 
cause of death, the state of the body and the surrounding conditions, exert a powerful 
influence on the preservation of the body. 

The important point we wish to impress now upon the minds of our professionals 
is, that circumstances in this case are to be strictly investigated ; also, that a uniform 
treatment of all cases, however different the circumstances and conditions, will not 
prove successful ; and that a thorough knowledge and experience are necessary to 
achieve satisfactory results. 

Discrimination and judgment are to be used in every case. Some are too ready to 
condemn a certain process, or to question the properties of some antiseptics, because 
their first trial of either has proved an ignominious failure ; whereas the real cause of 
all the trouble lies in their ignorance of the laws which govern the mode of proceeding, 
and the use of the chemicals placed at their disposition. 

Others, again, are prone to extol the merits of some preparation, the component 
parts of which they do not know, but it may have done them good service in several 
instances; and when, contrary to their expectations,*it fails to answer the purpose, 
they lose faith in it, and discard it altogether as worthless. 

Hence, it is a fact not to be denied that a diagnosis (if it may be called so) is 
necessary before the work of embalming be entered into. And he who would endeavor 
to preserve the body of a stout, fleshy person by the same means employed in the pre¬ 
serving of a body emaciated by long sufferings, and under different conditions of tem¬ 
perature, might not meet with a success equal to his expectation. 

Dr. Wywodzoff, of St. Petersburg, Russia, says for temporary preservation of 
bodies for anatomical investigation, the following requisites are necessary : 

The body must remain in a soft and flexible condition for at least three months ; 
the tissues must not change color ; the material must not be injurious either to the 
health of the operator or corrode the instruments, and be free from odor. He recom¬ 
mends the following : Thymole, 2 ounces ; alcohol, 2 quarts ; glycerine, 2 quarts ; 
water, ^ gallon ; used as an arterial injection. 

Others, again, vary in the manner of proceeding, and although the arteries are 
injected, other manipulations are necessary—namely, to preserve a body, thoroughly 
saturate it immediately after death by repeated applications with a soft brush to the 
back, face, chest, abdomen and the limbs ; then inject in the various orifices of the 
body as much fluid as will be retained, and close them with cotton. Fold three or four 
thickness of toweling, soaked in the fluid, upon the abdomen, breast and neck, renew¬ 
ing the wetting two or three times daily; cover the face and hands with muslin three 
or four times folded, wet with the fluid the same number of times, using a quart or 
more in quantity. If the body is to be shipped or kept for a long deferred interment, 
follow the above directions implicitly, and, in addition, insert the hypodermic needle in 
the navel, to withdraw any accumulation of fluid and permit the escape of gas ; then 
attach to the syringe and inject in the cavity a liberal quantity of the fluid, using a 
pint and a half or more. Should the undertaker be able to inject the arterial system, 
by means of the needle inserted in the femoral artery, it would be of great importance; 
or, in his inability to do so, could he procure the services of a surgeon, the operation 

would then be complete. 








LVI 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


Utopia is popular with all classes of embalmers for its acknowledged excellence. 


Messrs. Martin Fahey & Sons, of Baltimore, had charge of the remains of the late Deputy 
Marshal of the Baltimore police force, John Lannan. They embalmed the remains with Utopia, and 
the result was a credit to the embalmer and the fluid Utopia. The service was held in the Cathedral 
in the presence of Cardinal Gibbons. Throngs of his friends were present. The remains were ship¬ 
ped to Philadelphia, where .Jos. K. Hookey took charge of it. Mr. Hookey wrote to Messrs. Fahey 
& Sons that the remains arrived in a splendid state of preservation. 


I have been very successful this summer with your fluid, 
perfect satisfaction. 


I have not lost one case. It gives 
J. N. JONES, Norfolk, Va, 


I have been intending to write you to let you know what we did with Utopia. We kept a b©dy 
forty-four days before we buried it. He was in a perfect state of preservation, the only defect was 
Ills eyes, which had sunken a little. We showed him to all the traveling men that came here. I 
Ihink we could have kept him much longer. 

J. W. BROWN, Hampton, Va. 


I kept the body which was embalmed with Utopia for ten days. It was perfect, and if I had 
had the room could have kept it for months. It was seen by hundreds of people and pronounced a 

JOHN H. NEAL, Searcy, Ark. 


We are more than satisfied with your fluid. We have embalmed bodies and shipped them to 
England, and have fine letters from the people there. We are only too willing to recommend a fluid 
that has given us the satisfaction Utopia has. 

MARTIN, MORRISON & HEYL, San Francisco, Cal. 


The woman that I embalmed April 3, 1893, with “ Phorencina,” and who had been dead a few 
days previous, looks splendid to-day (April 10), better than when I embalmed her. The green color 
of the abdomen has completely disappeared ; the skin more firm than last week, and all that in spite 
of her being kept in a filthy, damp, and very stinking box. 

A. RENOUARD, 

Demonstrator, U. S. College of Embalming. 


Another test case for “ Phorencina,” embalmed by our Mr. J. W. Carpenter, through the court¬ 
esy of Mr. A. E. Mann : 

The body had been dead three days, and from general appearances one would think it had been 
dead three weeks. It was gangrene in the worst form, the whole body was green and the stench was 
almost unbearable. Dr. Durell saw the body then and since. The body, a male, weighed about 150 
pounds. Two quarts in the brachial artery and two quarts in the cavities were injected ; white spots 
began to show before injection was finished, and in about forty-five minutes white spots showed on 
the bowels. When placed in the vault two days later all discoloration had disappeared, no smell 
either from decomposition or fluid was perceptible ; not a particle of fluid of any kind was used on 
the outside of body. The body was injected February 18, three days after death, placed in the 
tomb February 20, and when buried, August 16, 1892, was in perfect condition. No odor of any 
kind, and no discoloration. 


I embalmed the remains of Nathaniel Small, who was killed in a railroad accident, with 
“ Phorencina,” and every one said the remains were life-like. I think it looked as well as any I ever 
had. I used one and-a-half gallons of “ Phorencina,” half in the arteries and the other half in the 
cavities. 


F. E. CRANE. Lewiston. Me. 












The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


LVII 


The next method is that of Dr. Lowell, of Brooklyn, N. Y., wherein that gentle¬ 
man makes use of the force of gravitation of liquids to replace the use of instruments. 
A solution of chloride of zinc is the preservative fluid used. This is contained in a 
porcelain-lined vessel, which is elevated to a convenient height, so that the contents 
will be injected into the body after the manner of a gravity syringe. For the passage 
of the fluid from its receptacle into the artery of the body, glass and rubber tubing are 
all that is required. A finely-tapered glass tube is held firmly in place in the artery, 
while a glass U-shaped tube acts as a siphon to conduct the liquid from the receptacle; 
the quantity of fluid will, of necessity, vary in different cases; four or five gallons may 
be required. (W e do not agree as to this amount, which to us seems exaggerated.) 
This plan will not work when operations have been performed whereby large vessels 
have been opened. All that is required is that an artery be exposed, the glass tube 
adjusted, and the liquid will find its own way. Dr. Lowell has let the instrument run 
all night. 

Mr. Laujorroy lately presented a note to the French Academy of Sciences on the 
antiseptic properties of bichromate of potash. Experiments had shown him con¬ 
clusively that it retarded indefinitely the putrefaction of bodies. His illustration of 
the process, as given by him, was substantially as follows : The cadaver was deprived, 
as nearly as possible, of all the blood it contained ; then the arterial system was filled 
with about seven litres of an aqueous solution of bichromate of potash, in the propor¬ 
tion of one part, by weight, of the bichromate of potash in one hundred of water. 
The body was then immersed in a solution of the same substance, but different in 
specific proportions— i. e., one part of bichromate of potash in two hundred parts of 
water. After three months’ immersion the flesh of the body was hardened and almost 
dry. 

This process recalls that of Dr. Carra, of Florence, Italy. In this instance the 
veinous system was emptied, and the arteries filled with a solution of chloride of 
alumina, 4 pounds; corrosive sublimate, 3 ounces ; water, 6 litres. The body was 
then immersed in the same solution for 60 days, and at the end of that time presented 
no symptoms of putrefaction. 

The various modes of body preservation which have been given in the preceding 
pages have furnished us with the data for our present mode of embalming, which 
consists in a thorough injection of the arteries, and in as perfect a removal of blood 
from the body as possible either by pumping the blood from the veins, by means of 
flexible tubes or through a cardiac needle, inserted in the right auricle of the heart. 
Moreover, and to insure uniform success, it has been found necessary to inject the 
thoracic cavities, and part of the abdominal viscera, after first removing gases and 
serous liquids therein contained. 

Hypodermic injectants have replaced the deep scarifications formerly practiced, 
where a mutilation of the arterial system has rendered it impossible to convey the 
preserving flui*d to the parts. A panoply of improved instruments is now placed in 
the hands of the embalmer, to aid him in simplifying the operation, and reducing the 
number of openings made in the body, whilst the preserving fluids have become so 
perfected as to produce the most satisfactory results, when used according to the 
details of knowledge and experience. 







LVIII 


Tub Embalmers’ Epitome. 


The popularity of “ Utopia” is deservedly the highest. 


“THE RENOUARD FLUID !” 

You did the business right when you got up that formula. We use nothing else, would have 
nothing else, as nothing else is needed. If I was to tell you what I have done with “ Renouard 
fluid lately, you would want to discredit it. 

J. M. CONNOLLEY, Charleston, S. C. 


I am happy to say I had an occasion to give the “ Renouard ’’.fluid a very clever test a few days 
ago, and I am happier to say that the result was all that could be expected. One was that of a lady 
weighing at least 240 pounds. She was found dead in her apartments, face badly discolored, purging 
badly at mouth. I injected one-and-a-half bottles of fluid through brachial artery, a few hours 
later the doctors performed a slight autopsy of the chest, but did not interfere with my work. Two 
days later I shipped remains away, looking natural as life. The other was that of a German, weight 
a trifle less than 300, who died of dropsy. After relieving the remains of four gallons of water I 
injected the femoral with one-half gallon of “ Renouard ” fluid. This body was all but rotten, but 
after injecting one-half gallon more of “Renouard” fluid in the place where I had taken the four 
quarts of dirty water from, I waited for results, and when I closed the casket yesterday the body 
was looking as fine as possible. I have been connected in the F. D. business all my life, and have 
seen some bad cases and I consider these two good tests for any fluid. 

JOSEPH GAWLER, Washington, D. C. 


THK KNOWLKS CAVITY KCUJIE). 

I have had excellent results in every case where I used the Knowles Cavity Fluid. Just had a 
bad case of a woman who died with cancer of womb. Mortification had set in before death, and I 
did not get the case for 26 hours after death, from the hospital, and her friends did not get word to 
make arrangements sooner. She died on Monday evening at 8 o’clock, I embalmed her on Tuesday 
night (cavity only), and buried her on Friday afternoon, and in perfect condition. 

J. J. WATSON, Lancaster, Penna. 


“UTOPIA” IN COURT. 

Few embalmers have not read about the Buchanan poisoning case, but for the information of 
those who are not acquainted with the facts, we give below a brief synopsis and the sworn testi¬ 
mony and opinion of Dr. H. P. Loomis (President of the New York Pathological Society), an expert 
pathologist, as to the embalming fluid used : 

Mrs. Buchanan died April 23, 1892, and was embalmed with Utopia by Geo. F. Bender, assist¬ 
ant to Charles Benedict, of New York, four quarts having been injected in the brachial artery and 
the cavities. Her husband was suspected of being responsible for her death, and the body was 
exhumed the second Sunday in June, and an autopsy held by Dr. Loomis, who said, in his testimony 
on the witness stand, that “ the first thing that impressed him was the iconderful preservation of the 
body” He examined the brain, the spinal cord and all the organs and ‘'found every one of them nor¬ 
mal” 


The New York ^yorld, April 7, 1893, says: “ From the appearance of the body the woman did 
not look as if she had been dead more than a few days.” 


The New York Ucrald, April 8, 1893, said : “Mrs. Buchanan’s body had been wonderfully pre¬ 
served.” 


Again Utopia proves its unequaled properties as a body preservative, and the guilty is brought 
to justice. 












LTX 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


FLUIDS FOR EABALAING. 


SOME OF OUR ANTISEPTICS, DISINFECTANTS, ETC. 
THEIR HISTORY AND PROPERTIES. 

Inasmuch as we have illustrated previously the modus faciendi of the mechanical 
pait of the process, it has been complete, but we have not as yet ventured to tread on 
that new ground, the all important subject of preserving fluids, nor have we so far 
called the attention of our brother professionals to the vast resources afforded to us in 
the long list of the known antiputrids which we possess. 

It is somewhat astonishing that undertakers, or the majority of those engaged in 
the study of the art of embalming, have not grasped the full import of this knowl¬ 
edge. Only a few of the most studious class have sought to examine the nature of 
these essential factors in preservation of bodies. These potent agencies which we call 
to our aid in arresting decay and removing putrefactive decomposition possess a. 
history. They act in various ways, which not being understood, have in some instances 
produced effects as startling as they were unexpected, leaving the operator in a quan¬ 
dary at the unlooked-for result. Perhaps our readers have met with a case similar to 
the following after what seemed to be, and unfortunately was, a thorough injection 
of the arterial system in a body : 

After injecting about one-half gallon of fluid or perhaps less in the arteries, 
white excrescences or spots begin to show, especially in lean subjects, wherever the 
superficial arterial branches approach the skin. These spots increase in size if the 
injection of fluid is continued, and soon run into each other ; the frontal and templar 
arteries also assume turgid symptoms ; the features become somewhat smaller; the 
lobes of the ears, if filled with blood, and also the lips, become speckled ; so far there 
is no cause for alarm. These are the natural results of a successful injection ; the 
white spots will soon disappear and the swelled face will resume its natural pro¬ 
portions in a short time, should the chemicals used be discreetly and judiciously 
employed. 

‘ However, and in this instance, the ultimate results are quite different ; the 
features after some hours have, it is true, decreased in size and resumed their original 
proportions ; the white spots have entirely vanished ; but note the appearance of the 
face ; the natural color has given place to a grayish leaden hue ; freckles, if there were 
any during life, become strongly marked, and contrast glaringly with the dirty white¬ 
ness of the skin, while the course of the fiuid can easily be traced in the livid lines on 
the surface of the body. Then powder and cosmetics are called into service to con¬ 
ceal the annoying effects of the embalming process, and transform the remains into a 
painted semblance of humanity.^'' 

We would venture to say that the above experience is that of many who are now 
reading these lines. Besides, allow this same body to remain exposed to the air for a 
few days without the further protection of an hermetically sealed casket ; and the 
toes, fingers, forehead and cheeks; in fact, all parts where the osseous frame comes 
near the skin will turn brown, dry up and become hard. It is true ; decay,"" we 
mean the progress of putrefaction, will be effectually arrested, but in what state is the 
body left ? And is not mummification rapidly taking place ? 















LX 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


“phorencina” tests. 

By a. Renouard, H. B. Knowles and A. E. Mann. 

Oct. 7tli.—The body, embalmed twelve days ago, cause of death, typhoid-pneumonia, was taken 
up ; I raised two arteries on him afterwards, held an autopsy on the man, and found everything in 
splendid condition. All internal organs perfectly preserved, and of a natural color, none of the 
hardening or unnatural appearance produced by poisonous fluids. Externally the body looks very 
good. _ A. R. 

I have another body, a man who put a bullet in his head two weeks ago, and he is apparently, 
that is as far as looks is concerned, in a perfect state of preservation. A. R. 


Aug. 20th.—The last body of man embalmed with “ Phorencina ” looks elegant ; all spots have 
gone. A. R 


Sept, 2d.—The body of woman injected yesterday with “ Phorencina ” looked well to-day ; also 
body of an old man injected this afternoon. A. R. 


Sept, 5th.—The body of woman injected September 1st. “ Phorencina” seems to act well on her. 
Sept. 7th.—The woman is still the same ; in fair condition. The old man injected the 2d is still 
perfect. Sept. 8th.—The woman was buried yesterday ; looked about the same. The man looks 
just the same. ^ A. R. 


Nov. 10th.—I have used “ Phorencina ” in several cases, each of which have given good results, 
and were very pleasing as far as bodies of ordinary conditions could indicate. H. B. K. 


“PHORENCINA” AS CAVITY ELUID ONLY. 

Oct. 27th.—A woman, weight 220 lbs., 6 feet heel measure ; it was one of the rankest cases I 
ever handled, but it was in splendid condition. Injected one gallon into the cavities. A. E M. 


Jan. 31st.—A large woman, dropsical all over, short, fat and flabby, very strong odor before 
injection, the bowels extended far ; did not relieve the gases in the abdominal cavity ; injected two 
quarts of “ Phorencina,” then drew the blood from the heart, and this morning it is all dry, bowels 
like as if they were packed with cotton, limbs all right, in fact a good job. A. E. M. 


March 14th.—Man, 54 years old, died March 8th ; buried March 11th ; looked flne ; it laid 11 
hours after death before embalming; it was purple. Withdrew blood from the heart, most two quarts; 
injected two quarts “ Phorencina,” a little in nose and mouth ; full strength. A. E. M. 


I like “ Phorencina” better than any fluid I ever used. We have nasty cases, but as soon as we 
begin to inject, it is as sweet as one would desire, and no formation of gases. I have never seen 
gases form after I injected *' Phorencina,” which I cannot say of other fluids ; never use a drop out¬ 
side, and bodies look better than when we kept cloth with a bleacher on the face. A. E. M. 


March 17th.—A woman about 30 years, weight about 140 to 145 lbs , sick a week ; death caused 
by blood poison and peritonitis. Had laid over five hours, purging fearfully ; face bloated and 
purple. Tapped the heart, and injected two quarts, it stopped purging at once. The body was kept 
four days—it was as sweet as a nut; bowels flat, no gas, no purging or anything wrong ; the family 
was well satisfled. A. E. M. 


















The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


Lxr 


If, to avert this quick desiccation, the features are kept constantly moistened with 
fluid, the epidermis often rubs off under the slightest pressure, and after a few hours 
presents a hard brownish appearance. It is then that the conviction forces itself upon 
the mind of the operator that in order to successfully embalm a body, a thorough 
familiarity with the chemicals used becomes an imperious necessity. To foresee with 
certainty the action of the fluids we are using, it is reasonable to suppose that former 
experiments have made us acquainted with their merits; but to possess a clear compre¬ 
hension of the specific virtues of each one of their constituents which enter into their 
combination enables us to prognosticate with ease the eventful result, and gives us the 
power either to augment or decrease the proportions ; to suppress some, or add other 
ingredients, which we are confident will meet with the exigencies of the case. 

In this manner, and by discriminating with accurate judgment, in the choice of 
drugs in compounding our preserving mixtures, can we expect to arrive at a point 
nearer perfection than we have already attained ? 

Then how does it become possible for us to exert our powers of discrimination in 
selecting our antiseptics, if we do not apply ourselves to a study of their properties ? 
It may be here objected with some reason, that if a composition of various anti-putrid 
and disinfecting substances has repeatedly proved satisfactory, it must necessarily con¬ 
tinue to give the same gratifying results in every instance. With us, and taken from 
the standpoint of an undertaker's experience, this belief is false, and is not supported 
by the logic of facts. 

The time may and must come when our time-tried and trusted preparation will 
fail us, perhaps in a case presenting apparently little difficulties; in a case upon which 
rests in a great measure the fateful verdict of our repute as professionals. Then, let 
us bend our energies to the task of mastering this indispensable knowledge, which must 
become not merely an accessory, but our guide in this science of perfectly preserving 
the dead. 

The first substance in chronological order, which is brought to our notice in the 
embalming of bodies, is creasote."" The Egyptians made an extensive (although 
perhaps unknown to themselves) use of it in the preparation of their mummies. We 
must not be understood here in the literal sense of the word, that the ancient Egyptians 
made use of this liquid in their process of embalming; but we simply allude to the fact 
that the Fix Judeaor bitumen which they employed contained creasote, and it is 
this substance which so greatly assisted in the process of preservation. In 1830, Reich- 
enbach succeeded in isolating creasote from tar, and soon brought to light its properties 
as a strong preservative of animal substances. 

Creasote is a caustic, oily liquid ; colorless when thoroughly refined, but soon 
assuming a brown color when exposed for some time to the light, and possesses an un¬ 
pleasant, tenacious ollor. It is almost insoluble in water, but dissolves readily in alcohol, 
ether and acetic acid. A solution of 

One ounce creasote. 

Eight ounces of alcohol. 

Two quarts of water, 

has been found preferable to, and cheaper than alcohol in preserving anatomical 
preparations by immersion. 

Creasote coagulates the albumen and fibrin of the body, and forms with them 
compounds which are no longer subject to the common laws of putrefaction. However, 
this property is not specific alone with creasote, as the same effects are observable in 
many of the metallic and mineral salts of which we shall speak afterwards. 




LX 11 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


When a solution of alcohol, creasote and water is injected in the arteries, it does 
not materially affect the color of the skin ; neither does it produce the hardening and 
shrinkage so annoying with solutions of the mineral salts. It preserves the flesh and 
tissues soft; and unlike nux vomica, relaxes to a great extent the rigidit}^ of the muscles. 
Although the odor of this solution is penetrating and tenaciously remains on the instru¬ 
ments, and in the vessels which have contained it, still a body injected with it soon 
loses all perceptible scent of the fluid. 

Tannic Acid preserves admirably the skin ; it does not seem to have any effect on 
muscular tissue. 

Concentrated Alcohol contracts those parts which are essentially cartilaginous— 
therefrom the necessity to use first weak alcohol, and afterwards to replace it with strong 
alcohol, to prevent their shrinking and difformation. It is said that a slight addition 
of ammonia mitigates this baneful effect of alcohol, but still it will destroy in a short 
time the natural color of animal matter. Again, an addition of muriatic acid may 
obviate this inconvenience, but it may change a great deal the aj^pearance of a body. 

Pyroligneous Acid. —Several cases in which it was successfully employed in the 
preservation of animal matter are reported by Dr. T. Y. Simmons, of Charleston, S. C. 
The crude acid has been so advantageously used for the above purpose that Mr. Win. 
Ramsey was led to perform with it some very interesting ex23eriments. Some fresh 
fish, simply dijoped in the acid and afterwards dried in the shade, were effectual!}^ pre¬ 
served, and when eaten, at the end of eight months, were found very agreeable to the 
taste. Fresh beef, dipped in the acid in summer for the space of a minute, was per¬ 
fectly sweet the following S23ring. ’ 

Commercial Creasote. —When obtained from coal tar is always contaminated with 
phenylic acid (carbolic acid). Indeed, it is said that phenylic acid has been sold for 
creasote, which it closely resembles in ^^roperties. How far these properties may be 
similar, deserves to be studied ; for if they should jirove to be the same, the fact would 
lead to its substitution as a substance to be easily obtained pure, for the variable 
creasote. 

Of all the projierties of creasote, the most remarkable is its jiower of j^reserving 
animal matter; this property has suggested its name, derived from two Greek words 
which mean flesh preserver. Dr. Christinson finds that creasote water is as good a pre¬ 
servative of anatomical preparations as alcohol, with the advantage of not hardening 
the parts ; it is probably to creasote that the antiseptic j^roperties of iwoligneous acid 
are owing. 

Tannic Acid. —Some jDowder of nut galls is macerated in a bottle, with just 
enough ether to moisten it, for 24 hours, and then expressed in a powerful press ; and 
the process of maceration and expulsion is repeated in the same way until the powder 
is exhausted; the liquors are mixed, the ether distilled off, and the residue dried by 
means of a water bath. 

Properties: Pure tannic acid is solid, uncrystallizable, white or slightly yellowish, 
inodorous ; very soluble in water, and much less soluble in alcohol and ether, and in¬ 
soluble in the fixed and volatile oils. 

Tannic acid precipitates solutions of starch, albumen and gluten, and forms with 
gluten an insoluble comj^ound which is the basis of leather. 

Bichloride of Mercury causes the tissues to shrink and harden, and gives them a 
brown tinge, except the muscles, which are whitened thereby. It is an excellent pre¬ 
servative when it is not a matter of importance to keep the natural aspect of the sped- 




The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


LXIII 


mens; it becomes therefore almost useless when these preparations are to retain their 
natural integrity. 

Alum is a good agent of preservation for the membranous parts of the body, but 
it deposits sediments which tend to the discoloration of the parts affected. 

Pers^iljAiate of Iron, according to the statement of several English writers, attacks 
the bones. 

The Chloride of Tin, which decomposes the calcareous matter of the bones, is only 
useful in the preservation of the fibrinous and cartilaginous parts. 

Acids in general are good preservatives of matters containing fat, but they corrode 
tissues and alter their colors ; also destroying the calcareous parts of the bones. 

The Alkalies are, properly speaking, but preparatory means of preservation, having 
no specific properties as direct agents. 

Essential oils are good agents of preservation, but they dissolve the fatty parts, 
which it may be essential to preserve ; they are not, therefore, to be employed when 
this particular action is to be avoided. 

Permanganate of Potash. —It is employed under three different forms—crystal¬ 
lized, amorphous and liquid. It is one of the most efficacious hygienic and disinfect¬ 
ing agents. Its properties as such were already known in the year 1856. Mr. Condy 
at that time introduced it in its liquid form, under the name of Condy^s liquor. It is 
also a cheap preparation, a pint of the solution being sufficient to make three gallons 
of the disinfecting liquid when diluted with the above quantity of water. The solu¬ 
tion, diluted to one five-hundredth, is extensively used in England, under the name of 
ozone water, or liquid ozone, also used in that country as a preservative against cholera. 
In 1862 Dr. Pinkus recommended a largely diluted solution to remove instantly the 
cadaverous odor which clings to the hands after 2 ^ost mortem examinations or the 
handling of bodies. 

Glycei'ine is a powerful solvent, and also one of the best agents of conservation 
known to modern science. The glycerole of mercury, or a solution of one-twentieth 
sublimate in glycerine, is an excellent preservative of anatomical preparations. 

Thymol, or acid thymic, has been introduced by Messrs. Bouillion & Paquet as a 
substitute for carbolic acid, on account of its antiseptic properties. The following 
mixture of 

Thymol....4 parts. 

Tannin.4 parts. 

Aniline.2 parts. 

Glycerine.100 parts. 

has been employed with success by M. Paquet in preserving bodies for dissection. The 
sulphates of zinc, iron and copper have been used in solution as disinfectants, but, with 
the exception of the first, are seldom used in the preservation of bodies. 

Salycilic Acid.—Its, antiseptic properties render it useful in eruptive diseases, in 
diphtheria. It kills bacteria and other animalculfe, and destroys the unpleasant odor 
of the wounds. Professor Kolbe, of Leipsic, in his many experiments with the acid, 
found that rain or river water containing one-twentieth of a grain thereof would 
keep sweet in a warm room four weeks or more, while similar water not so treated 
soon became unpleasant to the taste. This was confirmed by an experiment on a large 
scale ; water charged with one gramme of salicylic acid to twenty liters was placed on 
board ship for a year’s voyage, and was found sweet and free from organic matter when 
at the end the casks were opened. Milk treated with the acid remains sweet more than 








LX IV 


The EmbalmePvS’ Epitome. 


a day longer than without it. Eggs, after a bath of the acidified water, keep sweet 
for months in a dry place ; and meat sprinkled with the powdered acid and packed in 
a jar acquires no unpleasant odor. 

Solution of Chloride of Zinc. —Made in the proportion of one ounce of the zinc 
dissolved in one pint of water. It is a powerful deodorizing and disinfecting agent, 
neutralizing noxious effluvia, and arresting the decomposition of organic substances. 

The concurrent testimony of numerous observers shows it to be an active agent of 
disinfection for hospitals, dissecting rooms, etc. When injected into the blood vessels 
it preserves bodies without injuring their texture, but alters the color of the tissues. 

Alumina. —Dissolve alum in six times its weight of boiling water, add solution of 
carbonate of soda in slight excess, agitate for a few minutes, filter, and wash the preci¬ 
pitate with distilled water; the product is hydrate of alumina. 

Acetate of Alumina. —A solution of this salt is obtained by saturating acetic acid 
with hydrated alumina, and cannot be evaporated without the loss of acetic acid. It 
has a faint smell of acetic acid and a sweetish taste, and possesses strong antiseptic 
properties. 

Stdphate of Alumina. —Saturate diluted sulphuric acid with hydrated alumina, 
evaporate and crystallize ; it is in thin, fiexible plates, of a pearly lustre, sweet and 
astringent taste; soluble in twice its weight of cold water, but not in alcohol. Its 
chief use is as an antiseptic; a solution of one pound to a quart of water is used to pre¬ 
serve dead bodies ; as a lotion it may be used in a somewhat less concentrated form. 

The salts of alumina have been ascertained by M. Gfannal to be powerful preser¬ 
vatives of animal matter. Among these the sulphate is to be preferred, on account of 
its easy preparation and moderate price. Its aqueous solution was found by M. Gan- 
nal to be very effectual in preserving bodies, when injected into the blood vessels ; in 
the summer season bodies were preserved for thirty days or more ; in the winter, for 
three months. 

For use in the winter, a quantity of the solution sufficient for injecting one body 
may be made by adding a pound, avoirdupois, of the salt to a quart of water ; for use 
in warm weather, the solution must be saturated. 

Arsenic. —This metal exists in nature in combination with nickel and cobalt. 
Owing to its volatile and oxidizable character it is conveniently collected as arsenious 
acid, as a collateral product in the smelting of cobalt ores. 

These ores, which are worked extensively in Bohemia and Saxony, furnish the 
supplies of arsenic to commerce. 

Soluble in about 100 parts of cold water; more soluble in boiling water, which, on 
cooling, deposits octahedral crystals. 

Arsenious acid possesses the property of preserving animal substances in the 
highest degree. Bodies of those who have died from arsenical poisoning keep longer 
than others ; and it is a well-known fact that arsenious acids form the basis of all the 
standard embalming fluids now used for preserving bodies ; and the amount of arseni¬ 
ous acid held in solution in a fluid constitutes its preserving properties. 

Arsenite Soda. —Arsenious acid is neutralized with carbonate soda solution, and 
forms an arsenite soda. Its advantage as a preservative agent is its greater and easier 
solubility, but as an alkaline body is less effective than arsenious acid. 

Arseniate of Soda. —In its pure state it is manufactured by oxydizing the arsenious 
acid witli the aid of hot nitric acid, neutralizing the resulting arsenic acid with carbon¬ 
ate of soda and crystallization, or by fusing together arsenious acid, carbonate soda and 





The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


LXV 


saltpetre, dissolving the fused mass and crystallization. A somewhat impure article is 
obtained in large quantities as a by-product by manufacturing aniline colors, and is 
cheap. Some of the smaller aniline manufacturers obtain it in so an impure state that 
they could not find a market for it at lowest figure, but sometimes succeeded in selling 
it as embalming powders. The embalmer would do better to buy the purer article 
produced by the larger manufacturer ; but we would rather discourage the use of arsen- 
iate of soda, as it is undoubtedly the weakest of all arsenical preparations. It has not 
any oxygen binding effect. Its chemical formulae is : Nag II As O 4 7 H 2 O. The for- 
mulaB of arsenious acid is Asg O 3 ; therefore 99 parts of arsenious acid contain as much 
metallic arsenic as 312 parts arseniate of soda, and this refers to the pure article, while 
the amount in the very impure is much fluctuating. 

Arseniate of Soda. —A diluted solution of arsenic acid is saturated with a solution 
of carbonate of soda, and evaporated to crystallization. It is the weakest preparation of 
arsenic for the preservation of bodies, and is the chief ingredient of all quick dissolv¬ 
ing embalming powders. 

Chloride of Zinc is white, crystalline, and semi-transparent, rapidly absorbing 
water if exposed to the air ; soluble in alcohol and water. It is an antiseptic especially 
adapted to dissecting room purposes; but it dries and discolors the muscles, and pro¬ 
duces a shrinkage of the tissues. We have presented to the reader a list of the most ac¬ 
cessible and usually employed antiseptics ; their origin and properties; it remains 
now to point out the specific objections which are attached to the use of each one 
separately. 

Alumina and its Salts, which were formerly employed by M. Gannal for the em¬ 
balming of bodies, are very weak when employed singly; and it is strongly suspected 
that M. Gannal used arsenic in the solutions to which his greatest successes were due. 

Pyroligneous Acid has proved a weak antiseptic, and its pungent odor renders its 
use impractical. 

Carbolic Acid and Creasote have given happy results when used in conjunction 
with arsenious acid. Unfortunately their detestable smell forbids their use for the 
embalming of bodies. 

Corrosive Sublimate is a powerful antiseptic, but uncertain in the results; it 
hardens and discolors the tissues, and corrodes the instruments. 

Thymol, of which mention has been made, lacks antiseptic properties when used 
alone. 

The same may be said of salycilic acid, boracic acid, sulphate of zinc and salt¬ 
petre. Arsenious acid in solution does not affect the color of the muscles, or alter the 
appearance of the organs to any great extent, and so far has been found the most relia¬ 
ble of all preserving agents used in the embalming of bodies. To all intents and pur¬ 
poses a solution of arsenious acid has so far established the fact of its superiority over all 
other substances for the perfect preservation of bodies. The desiccating properties of 
arsenic are objectionable; but are easily overcome by the addition of other drugs in the 
making of fluids. 

Our self-imposed task is now finished. We have given a brief history of the pro¬ 
cess of embalming from the days of the Osirian Nea-phe to the present method as 
taught in the United States College of Embalming. The recital is necessarily short, 
owing to the restricted limits of this small work ; it lacks the exhaustive and rigid ex¬ 
actness of a chronological record 5 but the facts cited are authentic, and gleaned from 
indisputable authorities. 






LXVI 


The Embalmbks’ Epitome. 


The list of the chemicals used in the preservation of the dead comprises only the 
most important antiseptics ; but their action has been faithfully recorded, and their 
effects chronicled with a most scrupulous accuracy, according to the observations 
gathered by long experience in their use by the several adepts in the art, at different 
periods of the world^s history, from the cedrium of old Egypt to the Utopia of to day. 

Have we interested our readers ? Have we added our mite to the vast fund of in¬ 
formation bequeathed to us by the masters of that science as ancient as civilization ? 
If we have, and if the contents of this modest compendium prove of benefit to the em- 
balmers of America, then our reward has exceeded our anticipations. 

This little work would be incomplete, and lose much of its usefulness, did we not 
place into the hands of the embalmer a further source of knowledge —a series of well- 
defined instructions, which will enable him to ascertain by practical experiment to 
what extent he may trust the preparations he uses. 

The most important factor in the perfect embalmment of the dead, besides the skill 
necessary to perform the operation, is certainly the possession of a fluid which contains 
in the highest degree the antiseptic virtues required for the purpose. Too often the 
operator is guided in his adoption of a certain embalming fluid by the mere repute, 
more or less rightfully deserved by the preparation. He is left without means to test 
beforehand the truth or falsity of the report; it is only after various trials, often ter¬ 
minating disastrously, that he may arrive to any definite or intelligent conclusion. 

To avoid these deplorable occurrences Mr. M. 0. Huncke, the erudite chemist of 
the Embalmers^ Supply Company, has given in the second part of this work a simple 
and practical manner of testing accurately the density of the fluids, and their strength 
in antiseptic properties. By the same inexpensive and easy process the embalmer can 
at all times assure himself of the quality of the preparation he uses, and of its unvary¬ 
ing degree of strength as an agent of preservation. By the use of these tests the em¬ 
balmer acquires the certainty that his confidence will not be misplaced without incur¬ 
ring the risk of a failure, always regretable, to become convinced of the fact. 

A. RENOUARD, 

Demonstrator, U. 8. College of Embalming, 




(e) PRUT SECOND. ©) 


TESTS HMD MEflSUFJEMENTS 

OF THE 

STRENGTH OP EMBALMING FLUIDS. 

A Simple and Easy Process 


lOR THE MEASUREMENT OF THE STRENGTH AND DENSITY OF EMBxVLMING 
FLUIDS, AND THE MANNER TO ASCERTAIN ACCURATELY, THEIR 

DEGREE OF ANTISEPTIC POWER. 


BY 

O. HUNCKE, 


Chemist, The Emhalmers' Supply Co. 


LXVII 





LXVIll 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


PREFACE. 


B efore entering upon a full discussion of the tests proposed for the detection of 
the strength in antiseptic properties of all standard embalming fluids, it may not 
be out of place to give our reasons for bringing to the notice of the profession 
the various fluids which we manufacture, and which we justly consider as superior to 
any other for the special purpose of obtaining as perfect results as possible in the em¬ 
balmment of the dead. 

Also as the process of embalming becomes daily better understood and more 
extensively used ; there is also a manifest desire expressed by embalmers in general to 
meet the most exacting demands of the public for warding ofl, not only the rapid pro¬ 
gress of decomposition, but, moreover, to obviate the changes, often ghastly, which 
always attend the extinction of life in the human body. 

Undertakers are oftentimes at variance about the mooted question as to what must 
constitute the most acceptable appearance of the features after death. They do not all 
agree upon a uniform marble, or wax-like color; or a slight flush ; or perhaps the 
ruddy hue sometimes observable, but also generally the harbinger of more serious com¬ 
plications. One single fluid, however good, effective and reliable, does not, and can 
not give universal satisfaction for the reasons above given. 

We have fully apprehended this fact, and in order to meet with requirements from 
different sources, we have, aided by the deep knowledge of our chemist, Mr. Huncke, 
and our own practical experience, produced embalming preparations which we are con¬ 
vinced must fulfill the expectations of the most fastidious. 

Our claims for the specific preeminence of our fluids are based upon our own cer¬ 
tainty of their merits, as proven by practical experience, and the irrefutable testimony 
of men whose skill and ability in embalming has established them in the front rank of 
the profession. 

Mr. Renouard, who is so well and favorably known as a teacher, and as the best 
authority in the art and science of embalming, who has never placed a theory or an 
article before the profession which was not practicable and profitable for the embalm¬ 
ers, gave us the results of his researches for a fluid, in a formula, after which the 
Renouard fluid is manufactured by us. Mr. Renouard claims that when injected 
into the arteries, his fluid preserves integrally and without alteration whatever the 
natural color of the complexion, besides having the preservative and disinfecting prop¬ 
erties contained in other first-class fluids. 

Utopia will remain as it always has been. It has given almost universal satis¬ 
faction, both as an arterial and cavity fluid, and is the fluid mostly used by the best 
embalmers throughout the States. 

The ''Knowles-' Cavity Fluid is destined to All the place, where other fluids 
do not prove efficient in strength to overcome bad cases, such as dropsy, childbirth, 
peritonitis, etc., etc. It can be used in connection with our other fluids and most of 
the fluids on the market. It is the fluid to use for those who wish to inject the cavities 
only, also for those who wish a stronger fluid for the cavities than they are able to find 
in a good arterial fluid. We compounded the Cavity fluid for Mr. Horace B. Knowles, 
one of the oldest and best embalmers known. He has found the same to be most 
efficient and equal to all demands placea upon such a fluid, and has permitted us to use 





The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


LXIX 


his name in connection with it^ which is an additional guarantee of its efficiency for the 
purpose it was made. It can not be used for arterial work, as it is too strong, and 
would not give the desired color to the face all good embalmers look for. 

Phorencina is the most powerful known preservative for animal substances ; 
the acme of success in the field of scientific investigation for the perfect embalmment of 
bodies. It is strictly non-poisonous ; totally harmless; and no apprehension from care¬ 
lessness in its handling, or employ, need be entertained by the embalmer. As a disin¬ 
fectant it is A MOST ENERGETIC DESTROYER of contagious germs, noxious gases, and a 
safe cauterizer of septic wounds, and should therefore be used exclusively on con¬ 
tagious, and infectious cases in preference to other fluids. It will instantly arrest 
decomposition where all other known fluids are powerless, and in a short time removes 
the green color of putrefaction. It also removes all objections to the embalming of a 
body, even before the physician^s certificate can be obtained ; in cases where the con¬ 
dition of the body is such as to demand immediate care ; as the use of Phorencina^^ 
does not alter the color of the organs, conceal ante-mortem lesions of the viscera, or 
obliterate traces of toxicants. Thereby affording all facilities for medico-legal investi¬ 
gations that may result in criminal conviction. 


DIRECTIONS. 

Phorencina produces astonishing results; when injected in all cases, both in 
the arteries and the cavities. First, place the body on the Cooling Board, in the 
usual elevated position, then pump the blood out of the veins, by means of the Flexible 
Silk-wrapped Tubes; or out of the heart, according to the necessities of the case. 
Afterwards inject the arteries, still pumping out the blood, alternating with the 
injection of the arteries until the arterial circulation has been filled. And last, remove 
all gases from the cavities of the chest and the abdomen, observing the usual precau¬ 
tions and inject the fluid into these parts in the customary manner. 

Phorencina will bleach all fabrics with which it comes in contact, conse¬ 
quently care should be taken in handling it. Hard rubber or aluminum instruments 
should be used when injecting. 

Our knowledge of chemistry, our enlarged manufacturing facilities, the study we 
give the science of embalming, and the wants of the profession, coupled with our 
reputation for strict and honest business dealing, is a guarantee to all that the goods 
are as represented, and W6 S6ncl tliBui forth i)i tho hops thcit yood uidy come from it to 
the 2 yrofession 'and the Science of Embalming. 


Renouard'" Fluid — 5 gallons or less, 

10 more, 

Utopia — 5 gallons or less 

10, 15, 25 or 47 gallons 

'' Knowles"' Cavity Fluid— 5 gallons or more. 


Phorencina 




in case containing 
12 half-gallon bottles 


$2.50 per gallon. 

2.00 

1.25 

1.00 

1.00 

2.00 


THE EMBALMERS’ SUPPLY CO. 








LXX 


The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS. 


It is generally conceded tnat all embalming compounds used at the present day 
possess antiseptic properties, varying in proportion with the lesser or greater amount 
of arsenious acid in their composition, and which in fact forms their chief, if not only 
virtue in arresting decomposition. 

One of the principal actions by which arsenious acid opposes the progress of putrid 
decay when injected in the human organism is founded upon its oxygen binding 
properties, which in this instance produce in the interior of the body results similar 
and even far superior to those attending the perfect exclusion of atmospheric air 
from its surface. 

This deoxydizing of the body, produced by the injection of the arsenious fluid, is 
really the flrst and most important step towards the prevention of decay, as if this pro¬ 
cess of oxydization be allowed to proceed undisturbed, other products of putrefaction 
are rapidly generated to hasten putrefactive disintegration. 

The reaction of the test solution given subsequently upon all mixtures containing 
arsenious acid, and also upon Phorencina, is based upon the oxygen binding properties 
possessed by these preserving fluids ; and as a test of their merits as antiseptics is 
made obviously apparent from our preceding observations. 

The following appliances and ingredients are required for the prosecution of the 


experimental tests : 

1 Hydrometer Jar, on foot, 12 in. high, wide. 75 

1 from 0° to 40°. 1.40 

1 Acme graduate, 2 oz.. 35 

1 Cylinder graduate, 2 dr. . 40 

1 Bicarbonate Soda Measure. 15 

1 Case for above . 50 

1 Pint Iodine Test Solution (quart 75 cts.). 40 

4 oz. Bicarbonate of Soda. 5 


$4.00 

As the amount of arsenious acid contained in the fluid is the most important 
fact to be ascertained, the flrst directions will be devoted to this test 

Measure off two drachms of the fluid, to be tested, in the cylinder graduate, and piour 
into a six ounce bottle, add to it a measure full of bicarbonate of soda ; shake well, 
and allow to stand for about one minute. Measure off two ounces test solution in acme 
graduate, and pour this gradually into the bottle containing the fluid, shaking occa¬ 
sionally to mix the liquids, until the contents of the bottle commence to assume the 
color of the test solution ; or until the liquid in the bottle begins to acquire a yellowish 
tint, when the addition of the test solution must be immediately stopped. The opera¬ 
tion should not consume more than one or two minutes’ time, as any subsequent dis¬ 
coloration is not to be taken into account. 

The proof of the quality of the fluid will be found in the quantity of the test solu¬ 
tion used to color the fluid. It is evident that the larger the amount of the solution 

















The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


LXXI 


is required to color the fluid, the stronger in preservative properties the fluid will be 
found to be. The following table of our various fluids will illustrate their specific 
strength as demonstrated by the above test. 

Renouard Embalming Fluid, 2 Drachms. Will require of test solution 15 Drachms at least. 

Utopia “ “2 “ “ “ “ 15 “ “ 

Knowles’Cavity “ “ 2 “ “ “ “ n “ “ . 

Phorencina (nou-poisonous) “ 2 “ “ “ “ 168 “ “ 

As Phorencina does not contain any arsenious acids or any other poisonous salts, 
it must be here borne in mind that the test, when applied to that fluid, exhibits the 
strength of the fluid in the amount of sulphurous acid gas and bi-sulphites, which it 
holds in solution. All poisonous fluids contain or should contain arsenious acid in its 
free state, in order to prove most effective. Should any doubt exist in the mind of the 
operator as to whether the fluid which he handles contains arsenious acid properly, or 
simply some of its salts in combination with soda or potassa, the following test will 
remove all uncertainty : 

Test the fluid in the manner previously indicated, leaving out the bi-carbonate of 
soda, and the result will give the amount of arsenite of soda, or of potassa (arsenious 
acid bound by an alkali), contained in the fluid. 

The first mentioned test, complete, will give as a result both the amount of arse¬ 
nious acid and arsenite in the fluid, thus : If 2 drachms embalming fluid require 15 
drachms of test solution with bi-carbonate of soda, and if 2 drachms embalming fluid, 
same, require 5 drachms of test solution without bi-carbonate of soda, the result would 
prove that one-third of the arsenious acid contained in the fluid is bound by an alkali, and 
not contained in its free state, which also shows a partial loss in the effectiveness of the 
fluid. When testing Phorencina, and in order to reduce the quantity of test solution 
(168 drachms), which would be necessary to carry on this experiment according to the 
proportions first given, it is best to mix one and ^ drachm of Phorencina with one 
pint of water ; thus, one ounce of this mixture will require one ounce of the test solu¬ 
tion to affect it. 

The tests given above are not applicable to fluids containing both sulphurous and 
arsenious acid, or sulphites and arsenious acid, and as none of the fluids now in use con¬ 
tain these elements in combination, as nearly as we can ascertain, no additional test 
seems required. However, if such an emergency should present itself in the future, 
we will give further tests to meet the demands of the case, and to bring out separately 
the strength of the different chemicals 

From the preceding statements it is conclusively proven that a fluid which does 
not rapidly discolor the test solution (either with or without the bi-carbonate of soda) 
is weak in preserving qualities ; even should it contain some preparation of arsenic 
not mentioned here, as, for instance, arseniate of soda, which forms the basis for, or 
chief ingredient of, some of the embalming powders, or quick mixing preparations 
for embalming purposes, and is the weakest of arsenical preparations. Arseniate of 
soda in its pure state is a very cheap product, but some of the impure drug, which 
cannot be disposed of in any other mannner, is often sold to undertakers for em¬ 
balming purposes. 

When it is desired to ascertain the aggregate amount of the chemicals held in 
solution by the fluid, and also to determine the uniform quality of the fluid at all 
times, we submit the following test : 

Fill the hydrometer jar with fluid up to within about two inches from the top. 








LXXII 


The Embalmers’ Epitome 


immerse the hydrometer into it, let it float freely, and read the degrees on the scale 
at the point on a level with the fluid. The deeper the hydrometer sinks into the fluid 
the smaller will be the percentage of chemicals contained by the fluid ; and the higher 
the hydrometer protrudes above the level of the fluid the larger will be the amount of 
chemicals held in solution. 

Knowles'’ Cavity Fluid should exhibit a speciflc gravity of at least 26 degrees. 

Renouard Embalming Fluid should exhibit a speciflc gravity of at least 20 
degrees. 

Utopia Embalming Fluid should exhibit a speciflc gravity of at least 17 degrees. 

Phorencina (non-poisonous) Fluid should exhibit a speciflc gravity of at least 30 
degrees. 

The foregoing tests have also shown amongst the poisonous embalming compounds 
that the Knowles’ Cavity Embalming Fluid is the strongest in the amount of chemicals 
which it contains, but weaker in arsenious acid ; this being in conformity with the 
purpose for which it is intended. 

Phorencina is a non-poisonous fluid in the full sense of the word, and sold under 
guarantee that it does not contain either zinc, antimony, copper, arsenic, or any sub¬ 
stance which might interfere with the results of a forensic analysis. 

This guarantee must prove of the utmost importance to the consumer, as by a care¬ 
less use of impure material in the manufacture of the fluid small quantities or even 
traces of arsenic might be detected in it, and defeat one of the main objects for which 
its superiority over other fluids is claimed. 

M. O. HUNCKE, 

Chemist, The Embalmers^ Supply Company, Westport, Conn. 





The Embalmers’ Epitome. 


Lxxric 



I N establishing this much needed institution, the design of the founders has been 
to furnish the undertakers of the United States unlimited facilities to become 
proficient in the art of embalming bodies. 

Experience has fully demonstrated that a course of instructions lasting for the 
short period of three or four days, is' insufficient to impart to the student a complete 
knowledge of body preservation in all of its minute details. 

ft 

The faculty of the College have therefore determined to place no limits to the 
course of instructions, which shall cease only after the pupil has practically proven 
his ability to preserve a body under all reasonable circumstances and conditions. 

In consequence, the officials of the College will not grant a Diploma to any 
pupil until he shall have passed a rigid and satisfactory examination by the Demon¬ 
strator. 

As the chief object of the institution is to impart to its pupils the most com¬ 
plete knov/ledge in the art of Embalming, the importance of adhering to the above 
rules must be obvious to all. 





































































